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Proton started with Proton-K (Proton-Zond) to Proton-M and has now grown to major phases 1-4 and enhanced Block-Dm and Briz-M.

What is the latest geostationary orbit (GSO) capacity? I could not find it anywhere. Will there be some more work done (before they are being gradually replaced by Angara A5), or is it that the old railroad has it limits?

Found Space Launch Report but it does not provide easy detail. RussianSpaceWeb.com is pretty close. And here.

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  • $\begingroup$ 19 years is a long time - maybe it would be better to ask if upgrades to the Proton-M are planned now. Upgrades don't necessarily mean that the rocket becomes heavier, so i don't think the load the railroad can bear is relevant - and at any rate, they could always find another way to deliver the rocket. $\endgroup$
    – kim holder
    Aug 24, 2016 at 17:19
  • $\begingroup$ Its more about length of rocket "x" limit than weight its very large distance from moscow to baiknour. $\endgroup$
    – Isrorian
    Aug 24, 2016 at 17:37
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    $\begingroup$ Upgrades don't necessarily mean a rocket becomes longer either, and there are still other solutions. If you want to know if Russian companies limit the size or mass of their rockets to fit the railroad, that should be a separate question. $\endgroup$
    – kim holder
    Aug 24, 2016 at 17:54

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Spaceflight101 gives the direct geostationary orbit payload capacity as 3500kg using the Briz-M stage. http://spaceflight101.com/spacerockets/proton-m-briz-m/

Wikipedia lists it as 3250kg, referring to a 2009 mission planner's guide.

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These are the fresh ideas as published by ILS:

Proton Medium / Proton Light

Expanded Proton Line: Proton Medium & Proton Light

The main development is in the removal of the second stage and the reduction of the first stage.

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  • $\begingroup$ It's a 50 year old launcher. Has this kind of evolution of the Proton into a same generation family with different payload capabilities been considered before, or why not? $\endgroup$
    – LocalFluff
    Sep 15, 2016 at 10:48

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