GLONASS-K1 Satellite Launched Nov. 30

News courtesy of CANSPACE Listserv.

The second of two GLONASS-K1 satellites was launched from the snowy Plesetsk Cosmodrome on November 30 at 21:52 UTC. It joins the first GLONASS-K1 satellite launched on February 26, 2011.

According to the Roscosmos Information-Analytical Centre, the satellite, with serial number 12, is to be known by its in-orbit name of GLONASS 702. It is destined for orbital slot 9 in Plane 2.

The satellite will transmit five navigation signals in the L1, L2, and L3 bands. The satellite also carries a COSPAS/SARSAT transponder.

The satellite was launched on top of a Soyuz 2-1b booster. A statement from Roscosmos confirmed the 2,060-pound navigation satellite separated from the launcher in the correct orbit.

GLONASS-K satellites are designed to last longer, transmit more navigation signals, and launch on smaller rockets. Like the first Glonass K spacecraft, the second satellite will demonstrate new technologies that Russia plans to incorporate into GLONASS, according to Spaceflight Now.

Rollout:

Launch:

Gallery (photos from the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation.)