Soyuz-2.1A carrier rocket with an overclocking unit “Frigate” started from the Baikonur cosmodrome. This is reported in twitter “Roskosmos”.
Initially, the start was planned to spend on Saturday, on March 20, but it was postponed for two days. According to the source of RIA Novosti, the cause was the voltage jump in the power supply system of the starting complex and the need to re-check the rocket systems.
Branch of the third stage of the rocket with 38 satellites from 18 countries took place at 9:17, and the separation of the first satellite – the South Korean Earth observation apparatus CAS500-1 is scheduled at 10:10. Then four Japanese Grus satellites will be delivered to the target orbit.
“Start is standard. The separation of the head unit passed at the expense time. The first switching on and off of the motor installation of the overclocking unit” Frigate “passed normally” – Added Dmitry Rogozin.
It is also noted that the carrier rocket for the first time in 46 years repainted: instead of traditional gray and orange it appeared in white and blue colors. Last time it was done in July 1975 to launch a piloted ship with astronauts Alexei Leonov and Valery Kubasov under the program “Union – Apollo”.