Question 1

What rocket is launching AngoSat-1?

Accepted Answer

AngoSat-1 is launching on the Zenit.

Question 2

Who is launching AngoSat-1?

Accepted Answer

AngoSat-1 is being launched by Sea Launch, a commercial launch provider.

Question 3

Where is AngoSat-1 launching from?

Accepted Answer

AngoSat-1 is launching from 45/1 at Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan.

Question 4

What orbit is AngoSat-1 heading to?

Accepted Answer

AngoSat-1 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 AngoSat-1 mission?

Accepted Answer

AngoSat-1 is a geostationary communications satellite operated by Angosat and built by Russian RSC Energia. It is Angola's first communications satellite. Angosat-1 is fitted with C-band and Ku-band transponders and has an operational lifetime of 15 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.

AngoSat-1

Overview

Mission details

Launch Window

45/1

Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan

Frequently asked questions