On February 12, the Proton-M launch vehicle will put the Electro-L No. 5 hydrometeorological satellite into orbit from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. This launch will be the first in almost three years; the previous Proton launch took place in March 2023.
The launch will also be the last for the DM-type upper stage, which is used as part of the rocket. Previously, the launch was scheduled for December 15, 2025, but it was postponed after a local discrepancy was detected in the upper stage during pre-launch checks.
Roscosmos clarified that the schedule adjustment will not affect the mission's scientific program. On February 9, the State Commission authorized the removal of the rocket and its installation at the Baikonur launch complex.
The State Commission has approved the Proton-M launch vehicle for fueling, the state corporation clarified. The rocket launch is scheduled for 11:52 Moscow time.