Orion upper stage launched test payload into orbit

Orion, launched on April 11 from the Vostochny Cosmodrome, launched a payload into orbit

The first launch of the Orion upper stage using the Angara-A5 launch vehicle from the Vostochny Cosmodrome was successful on April 11.

“Today, the Orion upper stage, delivered to geostationary orbit by the first launch of the Angara-A5 launch vehicle from the Vostochny cosmodrome, successfully launched a test payload. This means that the main purpose of this launch is within the framework of testing the Amur space rocket complex with heavy launch vehicles “Angara” at the Vostochny cosmodrome was achieved,” the official statement says.

It is noted that after the test payload was delivered to geostationary orbit, there were no plans to separate the Orion upper stage from it. Now Orion will be in a storage orbit so as not to interfere with the operation of other devices in geostationary orbit.

The Angara-A5 heavy-class launch vehicle with the Orion upper stage launched on April 11 at 12:00 Moscow time from pad 1A of the Vostochny cosmodrome after three unsuccessful attempts.

This launch was the first for Angara from the Vostochny cosmodrome and began flight design tests of the Amur space rocket complex, which includes both the launch vehicle itself and the infrastructure of the cosmodrome. In addition, the Orion upper stage was also tested during this launch, marking its first.