Three GLONASS Satellites Launched from Baikonur

Three spacecraft (SC) as part of the Russian Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) have been successfully placed in a target near-earth orbit having an altitude of 19130 km and inclination of 64.8°. A total mass of the three clustered SC is 4.35 t.

Direct insertion of the SC cluster into a target orbit from a low-near-earth orbit formed by Proton-K launch vehicle (LV) has been conducted by DM Upper Stage (US). S.P. Korolev RSC Energia is the prime development contractor and manufacturer of US.

The Rocket and Space Complex Proton-K LV/DM US/SC cluster of the GLONASS system was launched from Baikonur cosmodrome at 10 hours 38 minutes Moscow Time.

Upon separation of the Upper Stage with GLONASS SC from the LV last stage, which took place at 10 hours 48 minutes Moscow Time, two firings of the US main engine occurred in succession with no remarks and in accordance with the Mission Program.

The SC cluster separated from US at 14 hours 35 minutes Moscow Time.

This flight is the 236th successful flight of D- and DM-type US, which is a clear demonstration of high reliability of US as a whole and its propulsion system.