KhSC Iridium 62 to 68 Proton-K/17S40
About the Iridium 62 to 68 Mission
| Type | Communications |
|---|---|
| Orbit | Low Earth Orbit |
Iridium provides global mobile telecommunications services using a constellation of 66 low earth orbit satellites in a 86.4° inclined orbit. Although 77 satellites were originally envisioned for the system and spawned the name based on the 77th element in the periodic table, the system has been scaled back. Motorola's Satellite Communications Group designed and manufactured the Iridium satellites with Lockheed Martin providing the LM-700A spacecraft buses.
Launch Pad & Location
81/23 (81L)
Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan
| Launches | 104 |
|---|---|
| Orbital Launch Attempts | 104 |
| Total Launches | 1565 |
The Baikonur Cosmodrome is a spaceport operated by Russia within Kazakhstan. Located in the Kazakh city of Baikonur, it is the largest operational space launch facility in terms of area. All Russian crewed spaceflights are launched from Baikonur.
KhSC Proton-K/17S40 Rocket
The Proton-K was a Russian, previously Soviet, carrier rocket derived from the earlier Proton. It was built by Khrunichev, and launched from sites 81 and 200 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
| Length | 59.0 m |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 4.2 m |
| Stages | 4 |
| Launch Mass | 708.0 T |
| Takeoff Thrust | 8,847.0 kN |
| LEO Capacity | 6,000 kg |
| Maiden Flight | 6/6/1997 |
About KhSC
Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center is a Moscow-based producer of spacecraft and space-launch systems, including the Proton and Rokot rockets and is currently developing the Angara rocket family. The Proton launch vehicle launches from Baikonur and Rokot launches from Baikonur and Plesetsk. Angara will launch from Plesetsk and Vostochny.
| Total Launches | 193 |
|---|---|
| Successful | 178 |
| Failed | 15 |
| Consecutive Success | 4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the KhSC Proton-K/17S40 Iridium 62 to 68 launch scheduled?
The KhSC Proton-K/17S40 Iridium 62 to 68 launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the KhSC Proton-K/17S40 Iridium 62 to 68 mission launch from?
The KhSC Proton-K/17S40 rocket launched from 81/23 (81L) at Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan. The Baikonur Cosmodrome is a spaceport operated by Russia within Kazakhstan. Located in the Kazakh city of Baikonur, it is the largest operational space launch facility in terms of area. All Russian crewed spaceflights are launched from Baikonur.
What rocket was used for the Iridium 62 to 68 mission?
The Iridium 62 to 68 mission launched aboard a KhSC Proton-K/17S40 rocket. The Proton-K was a Russian, previously Soviet, carrier rocket derived from the earlier Proton. It was built by Khrunichev, and launched from sites 81 and 200 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed the KhSC Proton-K/17S40 Iridium 62 to 68 launch?
The KhSC Proton-K/17S40 Iridium 62 to 68 launch could have been delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites.
How can I get updates if the KhSC Proton-K/17S40 Iridium 62 to 68 launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest KhSC Proton-K/17S40 launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Iridium 62 to 68 mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for historical launch information. Our mobile app provides push notifications for instant alerts about launch status changes. Official KhSC live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.
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