A Russian government-operated Proton-M rocket with Briz-M upper stage will launch the second of four planned Blagovest dual-use communications satellites. Blagovest builds a high-throughput communications constellation featuring powerful payloads operating in Ka-Band and the innovative Q-Band to support data-intensive communications in the civilian and military sectors. The satellites are used for high-speed Internet services, TV distribution, radio broadcasting and voice/video networking. This will be the fifth Proton launch in 2017 as the vehicle slowly makes its way back to old strengths after struggling with reliability over the last several years.

• Delayed from December 2017

Mission Resources:

? Launch Vehicle Overview: Proton-M / Briz-M

? Related: Proton-M Successfully Launches Blagovest High-Capacity Military Communications Satellite

⏰ Countdown Timeline

☂ Launch Weather

? Launch Site Schedule