Name: Prognoz-9 — Molniya-M 2BL
Start: 1983-07-01T12:17:00Z
End: 1983-07-01T12:17:00Z
Location: 31/6

Question 1

What rocket is launching Prognoz-9?

Accepted Answer

Prognoz-9 is launching on the Molniya-M 2BL.

Question 2

Who is launching Prognoz-9?

Accepted Answer

Prognoz-9 is being launched by Soviet Space Program, a government launch provider founded in 1931.

Question 3

Where is Prognoz-9 launching from?

Accepted Answer

Prognoz-9 is launching from 31/6 at Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan.

Question 4

What orbit is Prognoz-9 heading to?

Accepted Answer

Prognoz-9 is heading to Elliptical Orbit (Elliptical).

Question 5

Is the Molniya-M 2BL reusable?

Accepted Answer

No — the Molniya-M 2BL is an expendable launch vehicle.

Question 6

How many times has the Molniya-M 2BL flown?

Accepted Answer

The Molniya-M 2BL has launched 272 times to date, with 259 successful flights.

Question 7

What is the Prognoz-9 mission?

Accepted Answer

Prognoz is a series of research satellites to study solar activity and its influence on Earth's magnetosphere and ionosphere. Prognoz-9 also carried RELIKT-1 experiment to study the cosmic microwave background.

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.

Prognoz-9

Overview

Mission details

Launch Window

31/6

Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan

Frequently asked questions