Question 1

What rocket is launching Intelsat 31/DLA-2?

Accepted Answer

Intelsat 31/DLA-2 is launching on the Proton-M Briz-M.

Question 2

Who is launching Intelsat 31/DLA-2?

Accepted Answer

Intelsat 31/DLA-2 is being launched by International Launch Services, a commercial launch provider founded in 1995.

Question 3

Where is Intelsat 31/DLA-2 launching from?

Accepted Answer

Intelsat 31/DLA-2 is launching from 81/24 (81P) at Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan.

Question 4

What orbit is Intelsat 31/DLA-2 heading to?

Accepted Answer

Intelsat 31/DLA-2 is heading to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO).

Question 5

Is the Proton-M Briz-M reusable?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

The Proton-M Briz-M has launched 68 times to date, with 62 successful flights.

Question 7

What is the Intelsat 31/DLA-2 mission?

Accepted Answer

Also known as DLA-2, Intelsat 31 is a 6300kg geostationary communications satellite built on the SSL 1300 platform. Co-located at 95 degrees west with Galaxy 3C and Intelsat 30 (DLA-1), the craft will provide services to Latin America. The satellite is equipped with 10 C and 72 Ku-band transponders, with the majority being used by DirectTV for their DTH service. Powered by 2 solar arrays the satellite is expected to remain operational for 15 years.

Question 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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.

Intelsat 31/DLA-2

Overview

Mission details

Launch Window

81/24 (81P)

Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan

Frequently asked questions