On July 16, 1965, the first scientific station, Proton-1, was launched to conduct research in the field of nuclear and space physics.
In accordance with the Government Decree, the rocket was designed not only as a carrier of spacecraft for various purposes, but also as a powerful combat ballistic missile. However, already in the course of creation, the variant of using the rocket as a combat one was removed from development. At the final stage of work, the rocket was created exclusively as a carrier for spacecraft.
With the help of the Proton carrier rocket, satellites of the Cosmos, Ekran, Raduga, Gorizont series, satellites for exploring the Moon, Mars, Venus, Halley’s comet were launched into space; the manned orbital stations Salyut and Mir.
At present, the upgraded Proton-M launch vehicle is actively used to launch payloads.
