Question 1

What rocket is launching Spektr-R (RadioAstron)?

Accepted Answer

Spektr-R (RadioAstron) is launching on the Zenit.

Question 2

Who is launching Spektr-R (RadioAstron)?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

Where is Spektr-R (RadioAstron) launching from?

Accepted Answer

Spektr-R (RadioAstron) is launching from 45/1 at Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan.

Question 4

What orbit is Spektr-R (RadioAstron) heading to?

Accepted Answer

Spektr-R (RadioAstron) is heading to Elliptical Orbit (Elliptical).

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 Spektr-R (RadioAstron) mission?

Accepted Answer

The RadioAstron is an international space Very Long Baseline Interferometry project led by the Astro Space Center of Lebedev Physical Institute in Moscow, Russia. The aim of the mission is to use the Spektr-R space telescope to conduct interferometer observations in conjunction with the global ground radio telescope network in order to obtain images, coordinates, motions and evolution of angular structure of different radio emitting objects in the Universe with the extraordinary high angular resolution.

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.

Spektr-R (RadioAstron)

Overview

Mission details

Launch Window

45/1

Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan

Frequently asked questions