Russian Proton rocket launches Elektro-L weather satellite

Video from the channel VideoFromSpace about Proton, linked on its Above Ten Thousand entry. Duration: 10:24. Video type: Launch.

The video captures the ascent of a Proton rocket placing the Elektro-L No. 4 satellite into orbit together with the 11S861-03 upper stage. It is accompanied by the Russian launch control commentary, which reports on the vehicle's status every ten seconds.

During the first phase, the reports repeat that the rocket's stabilization is stable, that the pressure in the combustion chambers is normal and that the flight is following the program. Around 120 s, the order is given to start the second stage engines and shut down the first stage's, which separates. Around 330 s, the order comes to start the third stage's steering engine and shut down the second stage's; shortly after, the third stage's engines reach their operating regime and at 350 s the order is given to jettison the payload fairing.

After the third stage's steering engine shuts down, control announces the separation of the orbital block, formed by the upper stage and the Elektro-L No. 4 satellite, which moves away from the rocket's third stage.