RSCC orders three new satellites

Russian satellite operator RSCC has signed contracts for the construction of two new Express-AT DTH satellites and the Express-AM8 telecom satellite.

RSCC has contracted Russia’s Information Satellite Systems and France’s Thales Alenia Space to build the Express AT1 and AT2 DTH craft and the Express-AM8 telecom satellite, with the former producing the spacecraft and platforms and the latter producing the payloads.

Express-AT1 (with 32 transponders) will replace the Bonum 1 satellite at 56° East, while Express-AT2 (with 16 transponders) will be positioned at 36° East. The satellite capacity will be utilised by Russian DTH platforms and it is planned to be used for developing new projects in the field of the satellite DTH broadcasting. The Express-AT1 and Express-AT2 satellites are scheduled to be launched late 2012.

Express-AM8 will be equipped with 42 C-, Ku- and L-band transponders and located at 14° West. The Express-AM8 capacity will be used for deploying broadcast networks in Europe, Africa, and Caribbean  Basin countries. Express-AM8 is scheduled to be launched into orbit in 2013.