Question 1

What rocket is launching Proton-M / Briz-M Enhanced | SkyTerra-1?

Accepted Answer

Proton-M / Briz-M Enhanced | SkyTerra-1 is launching on the Proton-M Briz-M Enhanced.

Question 2

Who is launching Proton-M / Briz-M Enhanced | SkyTerra-1?

Accepted Answer

Proton-M / Briz-M Enhanced | SkyTerra-1 is being launched by International Launch Services, a commercial launch provider founded in 1995.

Question 3

Where is Proton-M / Briz-M Enhanced | SkyTerra-1 launching from?

Accepted Answer

Proton-M / Briz-M Enhanced | SkyTerra-1 is launching from 200/39 (200L) at Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan.

Question 4

Is the Proton-M Briz-M Enhanced reusable?

Accepted Answer

No — the Proton-M Briz-M Enhanced is an expendable launch vehicle.

Question 5

How many times has the Proton-M Briz-M Enhanced flown?

Accepted Answer

The Proton-M Briz-M Enhanced has launched 33 times to date, with 30 successful flights.

Question 6

Where is the Baikonur Cosmodrome?

Accepted Answer

Baikonur Cosmodrome is in Kazakhstan and is the world's first and largest operational spaceport, founded in 1955. Russia's Roscosmos operates it on territory leased from Kazakhstan under an agreement running to 2050.

Question 7

What launches from Baikonur?

Accepted Answer

Baikonur remains a major hub for Russian crewed and uncrewed missions, with Soyuz rockets flying from active pads such as Site 31/6. The historic 'Gagarin's Start' (Site 1/5) has been retired from regular service.

Question 8

Why is Baikonur historically important?

Accepted Answer

Baikonur launched both the first satellite, Sputnik 1 in 1957, and the first human in space, Yuri Gagarin aboard Vostok 1 in 1961 — the two events that opened the Space Age.

Question 9

Can you visit the Baikonur Cosmodrome?

Accepted Answer

Baikonur is a restricted military and space facility in a remote part of Kazakhstan, with no casual public viewing. Visits are possible only through pre-arranged official or specialist tours with advance permits, usually timed around a launch.

Proton-M / Briz-M Enhanced | SkyTerra-1

Mission details

Launch Window

200/39 (200L)

Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan

Frequently asked questions