Question 1

What rocket is launching Ekspress AMU1?

Accepted Answer

Ekspress AMU1 is launching on the Proton-M Briz-M.

Question 2

Who is launching Ekspress AMU1?

Accepted Answer

Ekspress AMU1 is being launched by Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center, a government launch provider founded in 1916.

Question 3

Where is Ekspress AMU1 launching from?

Accepted Answer

Ekspress AMU1 is launching from 81/24 (81P) at Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan.

Question 4

What orbit is Ekspress AMU1 heading to?

Accepted Answer

Ekspress AMU1 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 Ekspress AMU1 mission?

Accepted Answer

Express-AMU1 is high-capacity communications satellite which will provide coverage of the European part of the Russian Federation in Ku and Ka bands. Stationed at 36 degrees east in Geostationary Orbit the 5700kg craft will be equipped with up to 70 transponders. The satellite is powered by 2 solar arrays and has an expected lifetime of 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.

Ekspress AMU1

Overview

Mission details

Launch Window

81/24 (81P)

Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan

Frequently asked questions