Name: Intelsat IS-15 — Zenit 3SL
Start: 2009-11-30T21:00:00Z
End: 2009-11-30T21:00:00Z
Location: 45/1

Question 1

What rocket is launching Intelsat IS-15?

Accepted Answer

Intelsat IS-15 is launching on the Zenit 3SL.

Question 2

Who is launching Intelsat IS-15?

Accepted Answer

Intelsat IS-15 is being launched by Sea Launch, a commercial launch provider.

Question 3

Where is Intelsat IS-15 launching from?

Accepted Answer

Intelsat IS-15 is launching from 45/1 at Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan.

Question 4

What orbit is Intelsat IS-15 heading to?

Accepted Answer

Intelsat IS-15 is heading to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO).

Question 5

Is the Zenit 3SL reusable?

Accepted Answer

No — the Zenit 3SL is an expendable launch vehicle.

Question 6

How many times has the Zenit 3SL flown?

Accepted Answer

The Zenit 3SL has launched 36 times to date, with 33 successful flights.

Question 7

What is the Intelsat IS-15 mission?

Accepted Answer

American geostationary communications 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.

Intelsat IS-15

Overview

Mission details

Launch Window

45/1

Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan

Frequently asked questions