content long 24-May-2013 13:22:52

Launch Campaign

15th October (I)

Proton ready on the pad

Proton being moved into vertical position

The Proton rocket, with INTEGRAL safely tucked away inside, is now on the launch pad ready for today's rehearsal of the launch countdown. After years of preparation everything is almost ready for Thursday's launch.

This, the largest of the Russian rockets, is a very impressive sight. Weighing almost 700 tonnes it is 57 metres tall with six booster engines strapped to its first stage. These will ignite 1.6 seconds before liftoff to give the huge rocket the propulsion it needs to lift it off the ground.

Last Update: 09 November 2012

For further information please contact: SciTech.editorial@esa.int

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  • Baikonur celebrates the anniversary of the launch of Sputnik, 4 October 2002 (http://sci.esa.int/jump.cfm?oid=30705)