Question 1

What rocket is launching Olymp-K?

Accepted Answer

Olymp-K is launching on the Proton-M Briz-M.

Question 2

Who is launching Olymp-K?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

Where is Olymp-K launching from?

Accepted Answer

Olymp-K is launching from 81/24 (81P) at Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan.

Question 4

What orbit is Olymp-K heading to?

Accepted Answer

Olymp-K 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 Olymp-K mission?

Accepted Answer

Secretive payload, reportedly known as Olymp-K or Luch, is a geostationary satellite built and launched for the Russian Ministry of defence and the Russian Intelligence agency FSB.

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.

Olymp-K

Overview

Mission details

Launch Window

81/24 (81P)

Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan

Frequently asked questions