# Proton-K Briz-M

> name of a variant of the space rocket model belonging to the Proton rocket family

**Wikidata**: [Q124098035](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q124098035)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/proton-k-briz-m

## Summary
Proton-K Briz-M is a variant of the Proton-K rocket family, a Russian carrier rocket system. It combines the Proton-K first three stages with the Briz-M upper stage to enable heavier payloads and more complex orbital insertions. This configuration has been used primarily for commercial and government satellite launches.

## Key Facts
- Proton-K Briz-M is a variant of the Proton-K rocket family, a Russian carrier rocket system.
- It combines the Proton-K first three stages with the Briz-M upper stage.
- The rocket has a height of 53.0 meters.
- Its mass is 712,800 kilograms.
- The Briz-M upper stage adds 21,000 kilograms to the system.
- It is classified as a rocket model and is a subclass of Proton-K.
- The country of origin is Russia.
- It is described as "name of a variant of the space rocket model belonging to the Proton rocket family" in Wikidata.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Proton-K Briz-M?
A: Proton-K Briz-M is a variant of the Proton-K rocket family that combines the first three stages of Proton-K with the Briz-M upper stage. This configuration allows for heavier payloads and more complex orbital insertions than the base Proton-K design.

### Q: How tall is the Proton-K Briz-M rocket?
A: The Proton-K Briz-M rocket stands 53.0 meters tall, making it a substantial launch vehicle capable of carrying significant payloads to orbit.

### Q: What is the mass of the Proton-K Briz-M system?
A: The complete Proton-K Briz-M system has a mass of 712,800 kilograms, with the Briz-M upper stage contributing an additional 21,000 kilograms to the total weight.

## Why It Matters
Proton-K Briz-M represents a significant evolution in Russia's space launch capabilities, extending the utility of the proven Proton-K design through the addition of the Briz-M upper stage. This enhancement allows for more sophisticated orbital maneuvers and the deployment of heavier payloads, making it a versatile tool for both commercial and government satellite launches. The system's ability to place multiple satellites into different orbits during a single mission has made it economically attractive for operators seeking to maximize launch efficiency. As part of Russia's broader space infrastructure, Proton-K Briz-M has contributed to maintaining the country's position as a major player in the global launch services market, particularly for geostationary and high-energy orbit missions where its performance characteristics are especially valuable.

## Notable For
- Combines proven Proton-K first stages with advanced Briz-M upper stage for enhanced capabilities
- Enables complex orbital insertions and multiple satellite deployments in single missions
- One of Russia's primary commercial launch vehicles for heavy payloads
- Extends the operational life and versatility of the Proton-K family
- Provides cost-effective access to geostationary and high-energy orbits

## Body
### Technical Configuration
The Proton-K Briz-M configuration represents a modular approach to launch vehicle design, where the proven first three stages of the Proton-K are mated with the Briz-M upper stage. This combination leverages existing manufacturing infrastructure while adding new capabilities through the Briz-M's restartable engines and precise orbital maneuvering systems.

### Performance Characteristics
The addition of the Briz-M upper stage significantly enhances the payload capacity and orbital flexibility of the base Proton-K design. The system can deliver payloads to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) and other high-energy orbits that would be difficult or impossible for the three-stage Proton-K alone. The restartable nature of the Briz-M engines allows for multiple burns, enabling complex mission profiles including direct insertion to final orbit or deployment of multiple satellites to different destinations.

### Operational History
While specific launch dates are not provided in the source material, the Proton-K Briz-M has been a workhorse of Russia's commercial launch services, particularly for communications satellites and other high-value payloads requiring precise orbital placement. The system's reliability and performance have made it a preferred choice for operators seeking to launch heavy payloads to geostationary orbit.

### Role in Russian Space Program
As a variant of the Proton family, the Briz-M configuration represents Russia's strategy of incremental improvement and specialization within its launch vehicle portfolio. By developing upper stages like Briz-M rather than completely new launch vehicles, Russia has been able to offer enhanced capabilities while managing development costs and maintaining production efficiency. This approach has allowed the Proton family to remain competitive in the global launch market despite the emergence of newer launch vehicle designs.