Proton Launches Russian, Israeli Satellites

The Proton rocket prior to launching from the Baikonur Cosmodrome (Credits: RIA Novosti).

A Proton rocket lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome at 1117 GST on December 11, successfully launching a duo of satellites destined for geosynchronous orbit. The dual payload included a 1600 kg Israeli communications satellite named Amos 5, and a 1100 kg Russian data relay satellite named Luch5A. Sunday’s launch differed from typical Proton launches in that the launch was conducted by the Russian space agency instead of the typical operator, US-based International Launch Services (ILS).

First to separate from the booster was Luch5A, releasing from the top anchor at 2011 GMT. Manufactured by Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems Co, Luch5A will be used to actively track and receive data from satellites traveling in lower orbits, including the Russian segment of the International Space Station, and will relay telemetry data to controllers on the ground. According to Anatoly Zak of RussianSpaceWeb.com, this will restore the capacity of Russian ground controllers to contact spacecraft beyond the horizon of its ground stations “for the first time in a decade”.

At 2052 GMT, Amos 5 separated from the Breeze M upper stage, marking the successful completion of the dual launch. Amos 5 was also manufactured by Reshetnev, but will be operated by Tel Aviv-based Space-Communication Ltd. It will cater to the growing satellite services market in Africa, providing direct-to-home television, video distribution, and broadband internet access across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

The next launch of a Proton rocket, scheduled to be the last such launch in 2011, is planned to occur on December 26th, also from Baikonur. Operated by ILS, it will carry the SES 4 telecommunications satellite into the geostationary slot above the Atlantic Ocean.

The video below shows the launch of the Proton rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. 
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EMkK7qGdZc]

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