# Proton-M

> Russian heavy lift launch vehicle

**Wikidata**: [Q1756423](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1756423)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proton-M)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/proton-m

## Summary  
Proton‑M is a Russian heavy‑lift launch vehicle developed by the Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center. First flown on 5 May 2005, it belongs to the long‑running Proton family and is capable of delivering payloads of several tonnes to low‑Earth orbit and beyond.

## Key Facts  
- **First flight:** 5 May 2005 ( source: RussianSpaceWeb )  
- **Manufacturer:** Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center  
- **Height:** 53 m; **Diameter:** 7.4 m; **Launch mass:** 712,800 kg  
- **Propulsion:** Six RD‑253 engines (six‑engine configuration)  
- **Classifications:** Rocket series; subclass of Proton and heavy‑lift launch vehicle  
- **Country of origin:** Russia  
- **Aliases:** 质子M, 质子‑KM, 质子‑M, 8К82КМ (Grau index 8К82КМ)  
- **Typical missions:** Launches of communications satellites (e.g., Astra 2G, ViaSat‑1), scientific probes (e.g., ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter, Spektr‑RG) and other payloads  

## FAQs  
### Q: What type of vehicle is Proton‑M?  
**A:** Proton‑M is a heavy‑lift orbital launch vehicle, part of the Soviet/Russian Proton family, designed to carry large payloads to low‑Earth orbit and interplanetary trajectories.  

### Q: When did Proton‑M first launch?  
**A:** Its inaugural flight occurred on 5 May 2005.  

### Q: Who builds and operates Proton‑M?  
**A:** The rocket is manufactured by the Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center in Russia.  

### Q: What kinds of payloads has Proton‑M launched?  
**A:** It has placed a wide range of satellites into orbit, including communications platforms such as Astra 2G and ViaSat‑1, as well as scientific missions like the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter and the Spektr‑RG X‑ray observatory.  

### Q: How does Proton‑M compare to other launchers?  
**A:** With a 53‑metre height and a launch mass of over 700 tonnes, Proton‑M ranks among the world’s most capable heavy‑lift rockets, comparable to the U.S. Delta IV Heavy and the Chinese Long March 5.  

## Why It Matters  
Proton‑M continues the legacy of the Proton launch family, providing Russia with a reliable, high‑capacity vehicle for both commercial and governmental missions. Its ability to lift several tonnes to geostationary transfer orbit makes it a workhorse for delivering large communications satellites, which underpin global broadcasting, broadband, and navigation services. Moreover, Proton‑M has been integral to high‑profile scientific endeavors, such as the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter and the joint Russian‑German Spektr‑RG X‑ray observatory, enabling deep‑space exploration and astrophysical research. By sustaining a domestic heavy‑lift capability, Russia reduces dependence on foreign launch services, supports its satellite industry, and maintains a strategic foothold in the competitive international space market.  

## Notable For  
- **Heavy‑lift performance:** Capable of delivering multi‑ton payloads to geostationary transfer orbit.  
- **Long service record:** In operation since 2005 with dozens of successful launches.  
- **Versatile mission profile:** Used for commercial communications satellites, scientific probes, and interplanetary missions.  
- **Part of the historic Proton family:** Builds on decades of Soviet/Russian launch experience.  
- **Six‑engine RD‑253 propulsion:** Provides the thrust needed for heavy payload insertion.  

## Body  

### Overview  
Proton‑M is the modernized version of the original Proton launch vehicle. It retains the core three‑stage architecture while incorporating upgraded avionics, improved thrust control, and a more powerful upper stage. The rocket is launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

### Technical Specifications  
- **Dimensions:** 53 m tall, 7.4 m in diameter.  
- **Mass at liftoff:** 712,800 kg.  
- **Propulsion:** Six RD‑253 liquid‑propellant engines (first stage), each burning kerosene and liquid oxygen.  
- **Payload capacity:** Roughly 6 t to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) and up to 22 t to low‑Earth orbit (LEO).  

### Launch History  
Since its maiden flight in May 2005, Proton‑M has conducted a wide array of missions:  
- **Communications satellites:** Astra 2G, Astra 2E, ViaSat‑1, Intelsat 31, Eutelsat series, KazSat‑2/3, Yamal 300K.  
- **Scientific and exploration missions:** ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter, Spektr‑RG, Schiaparelli EDM lander.  

### Variants & Upgrades  
Proton‑M can be paired with different upper stages (e.g., Briz‑M) to tailor performance for specific orbits. Incremental upgrades have focused on increasing reliability and reducing launch cost.

### Manufacturer & Operations  
The Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center designs, builds, and integrates Proton‑M. Launch operations are coordinated with Roscosmos and commercial customers worldwide.

### Related Entities  
- **Parent class:** Proton family of launch vehicles.  
- **Category:** Heavy‑lift launch vehicle, a class of rockets capable of lifting large payloads to LEO.  

## Schema Markup  
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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Proton-M",
  "description": "Russian heavy‑lift launch vehicle first flown in 2005, part of the Proton family.",
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## References

1. [Source](http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau_fam/proton.htm)
2. [Source](http://www.russianspaceweb.com/proton-m.html)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau_fam/proton.htm)