Name: METOP A — Soyuz 2.1a Fregat
Start: 2006-10-19T16:28:13Z
End: 2006-10-19T16:28:13Z
Location: 31/6

Question 1

What rocket is launching METOP A?

Accepted Answer

METOP A is launching on the Soyuz 2.1a Fregat.

Question 2

Who is launching METOP A?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

Where is METOP A launching from?

Accepted Answer

METOP A is launching from 31/6 at Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan.

Question 4

What orbit is METOP A heading to?

Accepted Answer

METOP A is heading to Polar Orbit (PO).

Question 5

Is the Soyuz 2.1a Fregat reusable?

Accepted Answer

No — the Soyuz 2.1a Fregat is an expendable launch vehicle.

Question 6

How many times has the Soyuz 2.1a Fregat flown?

Accepted Answer

The Soyuz 2.1a Fregat has launched 3 times to date, with 2 successful flights.

Question 7

What is the METOP A mission?

Accepted Answer

European polar orbiting meteorological satellite

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.

METOP A

Overview

Mission details

Launch Window

31/6

Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan

Frequently asked questions