Name: GE-1A — Proton-K/DM-2M
Start: 2000-10-01T22:00:00Z
End: 2000-10-01T22:00:00Z
Location: 81/23 (81L)

Question 1

What rocket is launching GE-1A?

Accepted Answer

GE-1A is launching on the Proton-K/DM-2M.

Question 2

Who is launching GE-1A?

Accepted Answer

GE-1A is being launched by Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center, a government launch provider founded in 1916.

Question 3

Where is GE-1A launching from?

Accepted Answer

GE-1A is launching from 81/23 (81L) at Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan.

Question 4

What orbit is GE-1A heading to?

Accepted Answer

GE-1A is heading to Geostationary Orbit (Direct-GEO).

Question 5

Is the Proton-K/DM-2M reusable?

Accepted Answer

No — the Proton-K/DM-2M is an expendable launch vehicle.

Question 6

How many times has the Proton-K/DM-2M flown?

Accepted Answer

The Proton-K/DM-2M has launched 41 times to date, with 39 successful flights.

Question 7

What is the GE-1A mission?

Accepted Answer

The GE-1A telecommunications satellite was designed and built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems (LMCSS) for Americom Asia-Pacific (AAP), a joint venture between GE American Communications and Lockheed Martin Global Telecommunications.

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.

GE-1A

Overview

Mission details

Launch Window

81/23 (81L)

Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan

Frequently asked questions