# Luch 5A

> Russian Luch relay satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q6111357](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6111357)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luch_5A)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/luch-5a

## Summary
Luch 5A is a Russian geosynchronous relay satellite launched on December 11, 2011, as part of the Luch series. It was deployed using a Proton-M rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome and is operated by Roscosmos State Corporation. The satellite is part of the System for Differential Corrections and Monitoring (SDCM) and utilizes the Ekspress-1000A spacecraft bus.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of**: Luch series of geosynchronous Russian radio relay satellites
- **Launch date**: December 11, 2011
- **Launch vehicle**: Proton-M
- **Launch site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 81/24
- **Space tug**: Briz-M
- **Operator**: Roscosmos State Corporation
- **Manufacturer**: JSC Information Satellite Systems Reshetnev
- **Spacecraft bus**: Ekspress-1000A
- **COSPAR ID**: 2011-074B
- **Part of**: System for Differential Corrections and Monitoring (SDCM)
- **Wikidata ID**: 37951

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Luch 5A satellite used for?
A: Luch 5A is a geosynchronous relay satellite designed to support communications and monitoring for Russian space missions, particularly as part of the System for Differential Corrections and Monitoring (SDCM).

### Q: Who operates the Luch 5A satellite?
A: The Luch 5A satellite is operated by Roscosmos State Corporation, the Russian federal space agency.

### Q: What launch vehicle was used to deploy Luch 5A?
A: Luch 5A was launched using a Proton-M rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 81/24 on December 11, 2011.

### Q: What is the spacecraft bus of Luch 5A?
A: Luch 5A is based on the Ekspress-1000A spacecraft bus, which provides the structural and functional framework for the satellite.

### Q: What is the COSPAR ID of Luch 5A?
A: The COSPAR ID of Luch 5A is 2011-074B, assigned by the Committee on Space Research.

## Why It Matters
Luch 5A plays a crucial role in Russia's space communications infrastructure, particularly in supporting the System for Differential Corrections and Monitoring (SDCM). As a geosynchronous relay satellite, it enables real-time data transmission and monitoring for various space missions, including navigation and positioning services. Its deployment using a Proton-M rocket highlights the continued reliance on Russian launch capabilities for critical satellite operations. The satellite's integration into the SDCM system underscores its importance in maintaining operational efficiency and accuracy in Russian space-based applications.

## Notable For
- **Part of the Luch series**: One of several geosynchronous relay satellites designed for Russian space communications.
- **Proton-M launch**: Successfully deployed using a Proton-M rocket, demonstrating the reliability of Russian launch vehicles.
- **SDCM integration**: Contributes to the System for Differential Corrections and Monitoring, enhancing Russian space-based monitoring capabilities.
- **Ekspress-1000A bus**: Utilizes the robust Ekspress-1000A spacecraft bus, ensuring durability and functionality in geosynchronous orbit.
- **Roscosmos operation**: Operated by Roscosmos, reflecting its role in maintaining Russia's space infrastructure.

## Body
### Overview
Luch 5A is a Russian geosynchronous relay satellite launched on December 11, 2011, as part of the Luch series. It was deployed using a Proton-M rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 81/24 and is operated by Roscosmos State Corporation. The satellite is part of the System for Differential Corrections and Monitoring (SDCM), which supports various space-based applications.

### Technical Specifications
- **Spacecraft Bus**: Ekspress-1000A
- **Launch Vehicle**: Proton-M
- **Space Tug**: Briz-M
- **Manufacturer**: JSC Information Satellite Systems Reshetnev

### Operational Details
- **Operator**: Roscosmos State Corporation
- **Launch Date**: December 11, 2011
- **COSPAR ID**: 2011-074B

### Significance
Luch 5A is notable for its role in Russia's space communications infrastructure, particularly in supporting the SDCM system. Its deployment using a Proton-M rocket highlights the continued importance of Russian launch capabilities for critical satellite operations. The satellite's integration into the SDCM system underscores its significance in maintaining operational efficiency and accuracy in Russian space-based applications.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/luch-5a.htm)