# Nimiq 6

> 38342

**Wikidata**: [Q4321398](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4321398)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nimiq-6

## Summary
Nimiq 6 is a communications satellite launched on May 17, 2012, to operate in geostationary orbit. It was deployed from the Baikonur Cosmodrome using a Russian Proton-M heavy-lift launch vehicle and a Briz-M space tug.

## Key Facts
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 38342
- **COSPAR ID:** 2012-026A
- **Launch Date:** May 17, 2012
- **Launch Vehicle:** Proton-M (Proton family)
- **Space Tug:** Briz-M
- **Launch Site:** Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 81/24
- **Orbit Type:** Geostationary orbit
- **Classification:** Communications satellite
- **Entity Code:** Entity["Satellite", "38342"] (Wolfram Language)

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of Nimiq 6?
A: Nimiq 6 is an artificial satellite designed specifically for telecommunications. It functions as a communications satellite positioned in geostationary orbit.

### Q: Which rocket was used to launch Nimiq 6?
A: The satellite was launched using a Proton-M, which is a Russian heavy-lift launch vehicle from the Proton family. The mission also utilized a Briz-M space tug for orbital placement.

### Q: Where and when was Nimiq 6 launched?
A: Nimiq 6 was launched on May 17, 2012, from Site 81/24 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

### Q: What are the technical identifiers for Nimiq 6?
A: The satellite is identified by the Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 38342 and the COSPAR ID 2012-026A.

## Why It Matters
Nimiq 6 is a significant asset in the field of global telecommunications, serving as a dedicated communications satellite in geostationary orbit. Its successful deployment on May 17, 2012, highlights the role of heavy-lift launch technology in establishing space-based infrastructure. The mission utilized the Russian Proton-M launch vehicle, a key component of the Soviet/Russian Proton family of rockets, which is designed for heavy payloads. By operating from a geostationary position, the satellite provides consistent communication services to its designated coverage area. The use of the Briz-M space tug during its launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome underscores the complex multi-stage delivery systems required to place high-value telecommunications hardware into precise orbits.

## Notable For
- **Heavy-Lift Launch:** Deployed via the Proton-M, a specialized Russian heavy-lift vehicle.
- **Orbital Positioning:** Utilized a Briz-M space tug to reach its final destination.
- **Geostationary Operation:** Maintains a fixed position relative to Earth to provide stable telecommunications.
- **International Identification:** Recognized globally under COSPAR ID 2012-026A and SCN 38342.

## Body

### Launch and Deployment
Nimiq 6 was successfully launched into space on May 17, 2012. The launch operation was conducted at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, specifically utilizing Site 81/24. The mission employed a Proton-M heavy-lift launch vehicle, which is part of the broader family of Soviet and Russian Proton rockets. To assist in the precise delivery of the satellite to its intended orbit, a Briz-M space tug was integrated into the launch configuration.

### Technical Specifications and Identification
The satellite is cataloged by various international and academic tracking systems:
*   **SCN:** 38342
*   **COSPAR ID:** 2012-026A
*   **Aliases:** The entity is also referred to as NIMIQ 6, Nimiq-6, and Нимик 6.
*   **Wolfram Code:** Entity["Satellite", "38342"]

### Orbital and Functional Class
Nimiq 6 is classified as a communications satellite, a type of artificial satellite designed for telecommunications. It is a satellite of the geostationary orbit, meaning it orbits the Earth at a speed matching the planet's rotation, allowing it to remain over a fixed longitudinal point. Information regarding the satellite is documented across multiple languages, including Russian, Portuguese, Latvian, and Uzbek.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report