The Proton M is a Russian heavy-lift launch vehicle. It was derived from earlier versions of the Proton, a launch vehicle that was first developed in the Soviet Union in the 1960s. The first Proton M was launched in April 2001. As of 2022, it has had over 100 successful launches, including the launch of all SiriusXM satellites.
This model highlights the rocket's three stages. The first stage features six prominent fuel tanks, each of which has its own liquid-fuel RD-253 engine at the base. The first stage burns for nearly two minutes before being jettisoned. The second and third stages, shown at the top, are then sequentially fired.
This model was donated by Robert D. Briskman to the National Air and Space Museum in 2021.
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.