Khrunichev

First Proton of the year launches Gazprom communications satellite
A Russian Proton rocket launched the Yamal-601 communications satellite for Gazprom Space Systems May 30, completing the first of six Proton missions planned for this year.

Proton Medium, International Launch Services’ answer to Falcon 9, put on “indefinite hold”
Russia has suspended development of the Proton Medium rocket that U.S.-based International Launch Services (ILS) began marketing two years ago as its answer to SpaceX’s Falcon 9.

Proton returns after year hiatus with EchoStar-21 launch
Russia’s Proton rocket returned to service June 7, almost one year to the date from vehicle’s last flight, delivering a U.S. telecommunications satellite into geostationary transfer orbit.

Spaceport checkup delays Proton return to flight to June 7
The first launch of Russia’s Proton rocket in nearly a year is now scheduled for June 7, a nine-day slip driven by a review of the ground systems at the rocket’s launch site.

ILS still planning three commercial launches this year despite Proton engine recall
International Launch Services, the commercial arm of Proton rocket manufacturer Khrunichev, says it still expects to complete all three launches planned for 2017 once Proton returns to flight.

Russia bails out debt-ridden Khrunichev
Russia’s Roscosmos, acting in its new role as a state corporation tasked with reforming Russia’s space industry, on April 19 said debt-ridden space-hardware builder Khrunichev Space Center had been provided with subsidies and loans to stabilize its accounts.

ILS Now Marketing Small Angara Variant
ILS has begun marketing Russia’s new Angara rocket, adding the light-lift Angara 1.2 to its commercial portfolio for launches starting in 2017.