Oblik-Dummy was Zenit-8 (Oblik) spy sat, which has been in storage long beyond its service live and was converted to an instrumented dummy payload for the maiden launch of the new Soyuz-2-1a launch vehicle. The photographic equipment was removed and the vehicle was fitted with vibration and thermal sensors designed to measure the launch environment of the new launch vehicle.

The Soyuz 2.1A converted the flight control system from analog to digital, which allowed launch from fixed platforms. It also allowed big fairings and payloads. It is currently used for crewed Soyuz and Progress flights to the ISS.

The Russian Space Forces are a branch of the Russian Aerospace Forces, that provides aerospace warning, air sovereignty, and protection for Russia. Having been reestablished following August 1, 2015 merger between the Russian Air Force and the Russian Aerospace Defence Forces after a 2011 dissolving of the branch. The Russian Space Forces were originally formed on August 10, 1992 and the creation of the Russian Armed Forces.