# Briz-M

> Russian liquid-propellant orbit-insertion upper stage

**Wikidata**: [Q15891247](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q15891247)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/briz-m

## Summary
Briz-M is a Russian liquid-propellant upper stage designed for orbit insertion, serving as a critical component of launch systems like Proton-M and Angara. Developed by Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center, it first flew in 1999 and enables precise orbital maneuvers for satellites and interplanetary missions. It is powered by multiple engine types, including the S5.98M, and has a launch weight of 22,500 kg.

## Key Facts
- **Function**: Liquid-propellant upper stage for orbit insertion and interplanetary trajectory adjustments.
- **Manufacturer**: Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center.
- **First Flight**: 1999.
- **Launch Weight**: 22,500 kg.
- **Dry Weight**: 2,500 kg.
- **GRAU Index**: 14С43.
- **Propulsion**: 
  - S5.98M engine (1 unit).
  - 11D458 engine (4 units).
  - 17D58E engine (12 units).
- **Launch Vehicles**: Proton-M, Angara-A3, Angara-A5.
- **Country of Origin**: Russia.
- **Reusability**: Expendable.
- **Wikidata Description**: "Russian liquid-propellant orbit-insertion upper stage".
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID**: /g/11bc593tw3.
- **Commons Category**: Briz-M (rocket stage).
- **Wikipedia Languages**: Represented in 7 languages, including English, Russian, and Spanish.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Briz-M used for?
A: Briz-M is used to insert payloads into target orbits or direct them to interplanetary trajectories after launch, functioning as an upper stage for rockets like Proton-M and Angara.

### Q: Who manufactures Briz-M?
A: It is manufactured by Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center, a leading Russian space industry enterprise.

### Q: What propulsion systems does Briz-M use?
A: It employs multiple engines, including the S5.98M, 11D458, and 17D58E, providing thrust for orbital maneuvers.

### Q: When did Briz-M first launch?
A: Its inaugural flight occurred in 1999, marking the start of its operational use in Russian space missions.

### Q: Is Briz-M reusable?
A: No, Briz-M is an expendable upper stage, designed for single-use missions.

### Q: What launch vehicles is Briz-M compatible with?
A: It is integrated with Proton-M, Angara-A3, and Angara-A5 launch systems, enhancing their orbital insertion capabilities.

## Why It Matters
Briz-M plays a pivotal role in modern Russian space operations, enabling the deployment of satellites into geostationary orbits and supporting interplanetary missions. Its high thrust-to-weight ratio and reliable propulsion systems reduce the need for larger launch vehicles, lowering mission costs. As a successor to earlier upper stages like Blok D, Briz-M represents advancements in Russian rocketry, ensuring precision in orbital transfers and trajectory adjustments. Its compatibility with multiple launch vehicles underscores its versatility, contributing to the success of scientific, military, and commercial space endeavors.

## Notable For
- **Advanced Propulsion**: Utilizes a combination of S5.98M, 11D458, and 17D58E engines for versatile thrust capabilities.
- **Versatility**: Compatible with Proton-M, Angara-A3, and Angara-A5 launch vehicles, ensuring broad mission applicability.
- **Russian Space Heritage**: Developed by Khrunichev, a cornerstone of Russia’s space industry, with a lineage tracing back to Soviet-era upper stages.
- **Long Operational History**: In service since 1999, demonstrating reliability across numerous missions.
- **GRAU Index Designation**: Classified under the 14С43 index, reflecting its integration into Russian military and civilian space programs.

## Body
### Definition and Function
Briz-M is a Russian expendable upper stage designed to perform critical orbital insertion maneuvers. It operates as a space tug, transitioning payloads from initial orbits to targeted trajectories, including geostationary orbits and interplanetary paths. Powered by a combination of liquid-propellant engines, Briz-M provides the necessary thrust for precise adjustments post-launch.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 
  - Launch weight: 22,500 kg.
  - Dry weight: 2,500 kg.
- **Propulsion**:
  - Primary engine: S5.98M (1 unit).
  - Secondary engines: 11D458 (4 units) and 17D58E (12 units).
- **GRAU Index**: 14С43, indicating its classification within Russian military and space systems.

### Operational History
Briz-M entered service in 1999, succeeding earlier Soviet-designed upper stages like Blok D. It has since become integral to Russia’s launch capabilities, supporting missions on Proton-M and Angara rockets. Its design emphasizes reliability and adaptability, with a propulsion system tailored for multiple burn phases required for complex orbital transfers.

### Related Launch Vehicles
- **Proton-M**: Briz-M serves as the primary upper stage for Proton-M, enhancing its capacity to deploy payloads to high-energy orbits.
- **Angara-A3/A5**: Integrated with Angara launchers, Briz-M extends their operational range, enabling missions to geostationary and lunar trajectories.

### Manufacturer and Development
Developed by Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center, Briz-M reflects Russia’s expertise in upper-stage technology. Its design incorporates lessons from earlier space tugs, optimized for modern mission requirements. The use of multiple engine types (S5.98M, 11D458, 17D58E) highlights a focus on redundancy and performance.

### Legacy and Impact
As a non-reusable upper stage, Briz-M exemplifies the trade-off between cost and capability in spaceflight. While expendable, its efficiency in propellant management and thrust vectoring has made it a staple of Russian space logistics. The stage’s compatibility with both legacy (Proton-M) and newer (Angara) launch systems ensures its continued relevance in evolving space architectures.

### International Context
Briz-M is documented in multilingual sources, including English, Russian, and Spanish Wikipedia entries, underscoring its significance in global space technology discussions. Its Wikidata entry and Google Knowledge Graph ID further reflect its recognition in structured knowledge frameworks.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.khrunichev.ru/main.php?id=49)