Question 1

What rocket is launching Electro-L No.2?

Accepted Answer

Electro-L No.2 is launching on the Zenit.

Question 2

Who is launching Electro-L No.2?

Accepted Answer

Electro-L No.2 is being launched by Russian Federal Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS), a government launch provider founded in 1992.

Question 3

Where is Electro-L No.2 launching from?

Accepted Answer

Electro-L No.2 is launching from 45/1 at Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan.

Question 4

What orbit is Electro-L No.2 heading to?

Accepted Answer

Electro-L No.2 is heading to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO).

Question 5

Is the Zenit reusable?

Accepted Answer

No — the Zenit is an expendable launch vehicle.

Question 6

How many times has the Zenit flown?

Accepted Answer

The Zenit has launched 4 times to date, with 4 successful flights.

Question 7

What is the Electro-L No.2 mission?

Accepted Answer

This is the second in a new generation series of meteorological satellites developed by the Russian Federal Space Agency. The satellite will operate in geostationary orbit and be primarily used for weather forecasting as well as monitoring the oceans and climate change. With a weight of ~1600kg the satellite has an expected lifespan of 10 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.

Electro-L No.2

Overview

Mission details

Launch Window

45/1

Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan

Frequently asked questions