Question 1

What rocket is launching Demo Flight?

Accepted Answer

Demo Flight is launching on the Soyuz-5.

Question 2

Who is launching Demo Flight?

Accepted Answer

Demo Flight is being launched by RKK Energiya, a commercial launch provider.

Question 3

Where is Demo Flight launching from?

Accepted Answer

Demo Flight is launching from 45/1 at Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan.

Question 4

What orbit is Demo Flight heading to?

Accepted Answer

Demo Flight is heading to Suborbital (Sub).

Question 5

Is the Soyuz-5 reusable?

Accepted Answer

No — the Soyuz-5 is an expendable launch vehicle.

Question 6

How many times has the Soyuz-5 flown?

Accepted Answer

The Soyuz-5 has launched 1 times to date, with 1 successful flights.

Question 7

What is the Demo Flight mission?

Accepted Answer

Demonstration Flight for Russia's new Soyuz-5 launch vehicle, with a mass simulator on board. The launch was suborbital with the simulator splashing down in the Pacific Ocean.

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.

Demo Flight

Overview

Mission details

Launch Window

Schedule Updates

45/1

Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan

Frequently asked questions