Science & Exploration
Integral launched on-board a Proton on 17 October 2002
The Proton rocket is Russia's largest operational launch vehicle. A powerful launcher is essential to put the heavy spacecraft into an unusually high Earth orbit which is crucial for the scientific success of the mission.
Proton rocket on the launch pad
Proton rocket during transport to the launch pad
12.10.02 Proton moving into the vertical position
Proton being moving into the vertical position
