# Luch 1
**Wikidata**: [Q18609252](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18609252)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/luch-1

## Summary
Luch 1 is a Russian geosynchronous radio relay satellite launched on October 11, 1995. It is part of the Luch series of satellites designed to provide communication and data relay services from a fixed orbital position.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Instance of the Luch class of geosynchronous radio relay satellites.
- **Launch Date:** October 11, 1995.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Proton-K carrier rocket.
- **Space Tug:** Blok DM-2.
- **Launch Site:** Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 81/23.
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 23680.
- **COSPAR ID:** 1995-054A.
- **Orbit Type:** Geosynchronous.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary function of Luch 1?
A: Luch 1 is a radio relay satellite belonging to the Luch class. It is designed to operate in geosynchronous orbit to facilitate communication and data transmission.

### Q: When and where was Luch 1 launched?
A: Luch 1 was launched on October 11, 1995. The launch took place at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, specifically from Site 81/23.

### Q: Which rocket was used to deploy Luch 1?
A: The satellite was launched using a Proton-K carrier rocket. The mission also utilized a Blok DM-2 space tug to assist in its deployment.

## Why It Matters
Luch 1 is a significant component of the Russian space infrastructure, serving as a dedicated relay point for radio communications. As part of the Luch series, it contributes to a network of geosynchronous satellites that ensure continuous data transmission between ground stations and other orbital assets. The use of the Proton-K carrier rocket for its deployment underscores the reliance on heavy-lift Soviet-era technology that continued into the Russian Federation's space program. By maintaining a geosynchronous orbit, Luch 1 provides a stable platform for relaying signals, which is essential for managing complex space missions and maintaining long-distance communication links. Its presence in the Satellite Catalog (SCN 23680) marks its place in the historical record of mid-1990s orbital deployments.

## Notable For
- **Series Membership:** It is a specific instance of the Luch class, a series of satellites with 10 associated sitelinks in global knowledge databases.
- **Launch Configuration:** Notable for the combined use of the Proton-K carrier rocket and the Blok DM-2 space tug.
- **Geosynchronous Positioning:** Designed for a fixed orbital location to provide consistent relay coverage.
- **Technical Identification:** Recognized internationally by the COSPAR ID 1995-054A.

## Body

### Classification and Purpose
Luch 1 is a Russian radio relay satellite. It is categorized as an instance of the Luch class, which is a series of satellites positioned in geosynchronous orbit. These satellites are primarily used to relay data and facilitate communications.

### Launch and Deployment
The satellite was successfully launched on October 11, 1995. The mission originated from the Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 81/23. 
- **Launch Vehicle:** The Proton-K, a Russian (formerly Soviet) carrier rocket, was the primary vehicle for the mission.
- **Orbital Insertion:** A Blok DM-2 space tug was employed to assist the satellite in reaching its intended orbital parameters.

### Technical Specifications and Identifiers
Luch 1 is tracked and identified by several international and technical designations:
- **SCN:** 23680
- **COSPAR ID:** 1995-054A
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** /g/11b6f1t852

### Related Entities
Luch 1 is closely associated with the broader Luch class of satellites and the Proton-K rocket family. While the Luch class has a significant presence in international databases with 10 sitelinks, the Proton-K rocket is even more widely documented with 17 sitelinks, reflecting its extensive use in Russian space operations.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report