A Russian Proton-M launched from Baikonur this evening, December 27th 2014 at 21:37 UTC carrying the SES Astra 2G satellite into orbit. This satellite will provide Ku band television to Europe and and the UK via a UK dedicated spot beam for the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Five and Sky. This was the 401st Proton launch since 1965 and 116th Proton-M launch since 2001.