Proton-M Briz-M

A diagram of the “Phase IV” upgrades to the Proton/Breeze M. Credit: ILS

Description:

• Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center is the Russian builder of the Proton/Breeze M launcher, and owner of ILS.
• The 09 June launch marked the first flight an upgraded version of the Proton rocket, called “Phase IV” enhancements, to haul heavier payloads into orbit.
  ‘Phase IV’ involves more use of composites, some lighter-weight, higher-strength aluminum metallic structures, as well as more high-precision tooling in order to optimize the design, said John Palme, ILS chief technology officer and vice president of programs and operations. “All that has led to another 150 kilograms (330 pounds) of performance increase that ILS and Proton can deliver to our customers.”
• The modifications are the latest in a series of phased upgrades introduced on the Proton rocket since 2005, replacing the “Phase III” version that first launched in 2009.
  With the new design changes, the Proton/Breeze M can hoist up to 13,889 pounds, or 6.3 metric tons, into a standard geostationary transfer orbit, the egg-shaped path taken by most large communications satellites on the way to operational posts more than 22,000 miles (35,700 kilometers) over the equator.
  The 7-ton Intelsat 31/DLA-2 satellite deployed Thursday went into an even higher orbit, minimizing the work required of the craft´s on-board propulsion to reach a final perch in geostationary orbit parked at the equator at 95 degrees west longitude.