Question 1

What rocket is launching SES-4?

Accepted Answer

SES-4 is launching on the Proton-M Briz-M.

Question 2

Who is launching SES-4?

Accepted Answer

SES-4 is being launched by International Launch Services, a commercial launch provider founded in 1995.

Question 3

Where is SES-4 launching from?

Accepted Answer

SES-4 is launching from 200/39 (200L) at Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan.

Question 4

What orbit is SES-4 heading to?

Accepted Answer

SES-4 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 SES-4 mission?

Accepted Answer

An International Launch Services Proton rocket with a Breeze M upper stage will deploy the SES 4 satellite to provide telecommunications services over the Americas, Africa, Europe and the Middle East.

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.

SES-4

Overview

Mission details

Launch Window

200/39 (200L)

Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan

Frequently asked questions