Question 1

What rocket is launching AngoSat-2?

Accepted Answer

AngoSat-2 is launching on the Proton-M Blok DM-03.

Question 2

Who is launching AngoSat-2?

Accepted Answer

AngoSat-2 is being launched by Russian Federal Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS), a government launch provider founded in 1992.

Question 3

Where is AngoSat-2 launching from?

Accepted Answer

AngoSat-2 is launching from 81/24 (81P) at Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan.

Question 4

What orbit is AngoSat-2 heading to?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

Is the Proton-M Blok DM-03 reusable?

Accepted Answer

No — the Proton-M Blok DM-03 is an expendable launch vehicle.

Question 6

How many times has the Proton-M Blok DM-03 flown?

Accepted Answer

The Proton-M Blok DM-03 has launched 8 times to date, with 6 successful flights.

Question 7

What is the AngoSat-2 mission?

Accepted Answer

The AngoSat 2 is a communications satellite built for Angola to replace the failed AngoSat 1.

The Angosat Project calls for development of a communications satellite with C- and Ku-band transponders, its launch into a geostationary orbit and development of the ground communication and TV broadcasting infrastructure.

In August 2019 it was revealed the replacement satellite is being built by ISS Reshetnev (Bus) and Airbus Defence & Space (payload). Construction has started in February 2018.

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.

AngoSat-2

Overview

Mission details

Launch Window

81/24 (81P)

Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan

Frequently asked questions