LAUNCH MISSION
Russian Space Forces Soyuz 2.1b Pion-NKS No. 1 (Kosmos 2550)
Launch Pad
43/4 (43R)
Description
The Russian Pion-NKS (14F139) satellites are the naval component of the next generation ELINT satellite system Liana. As a replacement for both the passive ELINT US-PM and the active radar US-A, they carry both ELINT sensors as well as an active radar.
Soyuz 2.1b
Rocket Description
Soyuz-2 is the 21st-century version of the Russian Soyuz rocket. In its basic form, it is a three-stage carrier rocket for placing payloads into low Earth orbit. The 2.1b version adds an upgraded engine (RD-0124) with improved performance to the second stage.