February 29 2024

All satellites have been launched into orbit and the first signals have been received

Sitronics Group (part of AFK Sistema) expanded its satellite constellation with 17 new devices, which were launched on February 29, 2024 from the Vostochny Cosmodrome. All satellites have been launched into orbit and signals have been received from them, the company’s Telegram channel reports.

The launch of the Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket with the Fregat upper stage took place at the Vostochny cosmodrome at 8:43 Moscow time.

16 devices of the SITRO-AIS automatic identification system for tracking sea vessels and one Earth remote sensing satellite “Zorkiy-2M” No. 2 were launched. SITRO-AIS satellites will improve the control and safety of navigation, including one along the Northern Sea Route (NSR).

As Rosmorrechflot adds, the Russian hydrometeorological satellite “Meteor-M” No. 2-4 was also launched into orbit, having the new generation transceiver equipment of the international satellite search and rescue system COSPAS-SARSAT on board which. The system’s capabilities make it possible to relay signals from emergency beacons around the clock and detect aircraft, ships and people in distress. There are currently five low-orbit spacecraft in operation within the COSPAS-SARSAT system.

IAA PortNews previously reported that the Sputniks company (part of the Sitronics Group) created and sent into space 20 spacecraft in 2023, including SITRO-AIS devices for tracking sea vessels. During serial production, more than 100 new satellites for various purposes were built during the year, which will go into orbit in 2024.

Sitronics Group is a Russian IT company that implements digital projects for business and government, puts into practice comprehensive solutions for smart cities, security and transport, carries out digitalization of strategic sectors of the economy, shipping, maritime navigation, produces IT equipment under its own brand, provides satellite data and digital monitoring services, develops IoT systems and software.

Source: https://portnews.ru/news/360247/