Russian Space Boosters | Proton-K

(Industry designation 8K82K, Western designation with three stages SL-13, with upper stage SL-12).

"Proton-K" space booster was designed at Special Design Bureau #52 under Designer General V. Chelomey supervision. The booster was further development of predecessor - "Proton" booster. Main modification was made on its second stage. Also there were installed a new third and upper stages - block "D". Production of the booster conducted at Khrunichev Space Center. Production of block "D" was conducted under RKK "Energiya" supervision in Korolyov city.

Main use of the booster - to launch a heavy probes, satellites and modules for the space stations. "Proton-K" space booster was used to launch all Russian Space Station, including "Mir" space station and all it's modules.

First test launch of the booster was conducted March 10th, 1967. Until July 12th, 2000 there were 273 launches including 26 accidents and 9 semi-accidents.

Specification.

Launch weight......................................700,000 (690,000) kg
Thrust................................................................900,000 kg
Length...............................................................57,2 (61) m
Diameter of cluster......................................................7,4 m
Payload weight
Low Earth Orbit.................................................... 21,000 kg
Geostationary Orbit................................................ 2,200 kg
Propellant
Three stages.......................................................UDMH+NO
Upper stage.....................................................kerosene+O₂
Stage 1.................................................... 6 engines RD-253
Stage 2.................................................... 3 engines RD-210
..................................................................1 engine RD-211
Stage 3......................................................... engine RD-212
Upper stage............................................................ 11D58M