Name: Luch 2 — Proton K/DM-2
Start: 1995-10-11T16:26:00Z
End: 1995-10-11T16:26:00Z
Location: 81/23 (81L)

Question 1

What rocket is launching Luch 2?

Accepted Answer

Luch 2 is launching on the Proton K/DM-2.

Question 2

Who is launching Luch 2?

Accepted Answer

Luch 2 is being launched by Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center, a government launch provider founded in 1916.

Question 3

Where is Luch 2 launching from?

Accepted Answer

Luch 2 is launching from 81/23 (81L) at Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan.

Question 4

What orbit is Luch 2 heading to?

Accepted Answer

Luch 2 is heading to Geostationary Orbit (Direct-GEO).

Question 5

Is the Proton K/DM-2 reusable?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

The Proton K/DM-2 has launched 110 times to date, with 103 successful flights.

Question 7

What is the Luch 2 mission?

Accepted Answer

The Luch-2 or Gelios satellites were the second generation of Soviet and later Russian data relay satellites. These satellites were improved versions of Luch (Altair) series and provided communications service to the Mir space station, Buran space shuttle, Soyuz-TM spacecraft, military satellites and the TsUPK ground control center.

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.

Luch 2

Overview

Mission details

Launch Window

81/23 (81L)

Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan

Frequently asked questions