The Russian Satellite Communications Company (RSCC) has announced that the new Express-AT1 and Express-AT2 DBS satellites have been successfully orbited.
This follows the successful lift off of Proton M from Baikonur at 03.08 MSK on March 16. RSCC adds that AT1 will be deployed at 56 degrees East and begin commercial operations in April, with AT2, located at 140 degrees East, following a month later.
Both satellites, which were built by JSC Information Satellite Systems – Reshetnev Company in conjunction with Thales Alenia Space – France were ordered by RSCC as part of Russia’s Federal Space Program for 2006-2015 and will DBS service across the whole of Russia.
They have an active service life of 15 years.
Commenting on the development, Yuri Prokhorov, RSCC director general, said: “The launch of Express-AT1 and Express-AT2 DBS satellites is critical for the development of domestic DBS market. Users in Siberia and the Far East will gain access to new Russian and international TV channels. The networks currently operated by Bonum-1 will be switched by RSCC specialists over to the new satellites after their commissioning, paving the way for many fascinating projects in Russia.”
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