Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200

Infobox Launch Pad
name = Site 200


imsize=
caption=
site = Baikonur Cosmodrome
location =
operator = RVSN, VKS, RKA
tlaunches = 180
inclination = 49° – 99°
pads = 2
pad1 = Site 200/39
short = LC-200
status = Active
launches = 116
first = Raduga 6, 20 February 1980
last = Nimiq-4, 19 September 2008
rockets = Proton-K
Proton-M (active)
pad2 = Site 200/40
status2 = Inactive
launches2 = 64
first2 = Raduga 3, 23 July 1977
last2 = Almaz 1, 31 March 1991
rockets2 = Proton-K
Angara (future)

Site 200 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome is a launch site used by Proton rockets. It consists of two launch pads, areas 39 and 40. Area 39 is currently used for Proton-M launches, including commercial flights conducted by International Launch Services. Area 40 is currently inactive, and is being rebuilt as a launch site for the Angara rocket, which is scheduled to make its maiden flight no earlier than 2010.

A number of planetary probes have been launched from Site 200. Venera 14, Venera 15, Vega 1, Fobos 1 and the failed Mars-96 spacecraft were launched from area 39. Venera 13, Venera 16, Vega 2, Fobos 2 were launched from Area 40. Area 39 was also the launch site for the core of the Mir space station, along with both Kvant modules, and the Kristall module. Salyut 7 was launched from Area 40.

ee also

*Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31/6
*Gagarin's Start

References

*cite web|url=http://www.astronautix.com/sites/bai20039.htm|title=Baikonur LC200/39|first=Mark|last=Wade|publisher=Encyclopedia Astronatuica|accessdate=2008-09-12|language=English|format=html
*cite web|url=http://www.astronautix.com/sites/bai20040.htm|title=Baikonur LC200/40|first=Mark|last=Wade|publisher=Encyclopedia Astronatuica|accessdate=2008-09-12|language=English|format=html