Russia to launch its latest GLONASS-M navigation satellite on Sunday

A Soyuz-2.1b rocket is all set to launch the newest satellite for Russia’s homegrown GLObal NAvigation Satellite System (GLONASS). The spacecraft will blast off at 4:44 a.m. EDT (8:44 GMT) Sunday, May 29, from the Site 43/4 at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia. The launch of the mission was initially scheduled for May 21, but it was postponed for one week. However, the cause of delay wasn’t revealed by the authorities. image: http://www.spaceflightinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/dwza1bqmjcxj9njpka01-655x368.jpg Soyuz 2.1b launch An archive photo of a Soyuz 2.1b rocket launching in Plesetsk Cosmodrome. Photo Credit: Roscosmos The spacecraft, designated GLONASS-M No. 53, was delivered to the launch site on April 22. It was transported to the Plesetsk Cosmodrome aboard a cargo aircraft IL-76. More

(Source: SpaceFlight Insider - May 29)