Proton

The second most powerful launcher available to Russia, and the most powerful currently in use, the Proton rocket, was first launched on March 10, 1967.  Over 200 have since been launched, with 96% of the last 50 launches being successful.  The Proton is capable of placing 21 tonnes into low Earth orbit at the International Space Station's inclination of 51.6.  The Proton was the first Soviet booster designed specifically as a space launch vehicle, and not based upon an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile missile design.  The launcher is assembled at the Khrunichev Factory in Moscow and then shipped to Kazakhstan for launch. Up to 16 can be built at the factory each year, although currently production is at only half this rate.  Lockheed-Martin sells this rocket to companies in western countries to launch their communications and Earth observation satellites.

