Proton K, a heavy launch vehicle, is the heart of the space transportation system of Russia. It is widely used for commercial launches of foreign spacecraft and is now the main launcher used by the Russian party within the framework of the International Space Station Project.
Proton K, Proton М.
Commercial Proton Launch Vehicle Missions
Proton K, a heavy launch vehicle, is the heart of the space transportation system of Russia. It is widely used for commercial launches of foreign spacecraft and is now the main launcher used by the Russian party within the framework of the International Space Station Project. Proton K is distinguished for its high reliability, a perfect design and good performance. Commercial Proton Launch Vehicle Missions
Subject to a decree by the Russian government, all commercial launches of Proton LVs are performed under the umbrella of International Launch Services (ILS), a Russian-U.S. joint venture.
The Proton M launch vehicle is a modified version of Proton K, having a higher performance as well as better operational and environmental characteristics.
A Proton M/Breeze M stack was first launched on April 7, 2001.