The Khrunichev Center has engineered a new "medium" version of the heavy carrier rocket Proton-M, which will be able to put 2,2 tons to the geostationary orbit. Its first launh is scheduled for 2018. This was reported by the press service of Roscosmos.

      The medium and light versions of the rocket will consist of two-levels, namely the first and the third sections. At the same time the light rocket will have four side blocks of the first sections whereas the middle rocket will have six of those. The light Proton will be able to put 1,45 tons of useful load to the geostationary orbit , while the middle Proton will do 2,2 tons. The present day Proton-M takes 3,3 tons to this altitude.

      As specified by Roscosmos, the medium and light Protons will be used only for commercial launches under the contracts of the International Launch Services, a subsidiary of the Khrunichev Center. At the same time light Proton is planned to be launched in 2019.