On the 16th March 2004, RSCC and Eutelsat signed a long-term leasing contract for capacity on new Russian Express-AM22 satellite

16.03 : 2004

On the 16th March 2004, Russian Satellite Communications Company - a Russian national satellite communications operator, and Eutelsat - a major French satellite communications operator, signed a long-term leasing contract for 12 transponders on new Russian communications and broadcasting Express-AM22 satellite at 53 E.

The cooperation between RSCC and Eutelsat started in 1997, when RSCC won in alternate bidding competition to erect Eutelsat Satellite Mission Control Station on the ground of Dubna Satellite Communications Center. The companies expanded such cooperation in 2001, when Eutelsat took from RSCC a long lease of 5 transponders on communications and broadcasting Express-A satellite at 11 W. In its turn RSCC signed a leasing contract with Eutelsat for DTH for coverage of the European part of Russia in 2001. Today, such cooperation between RSCC and Eutelsat is evaluated in the amount of several hundred millions euro.

"The contract signed today marks, firstly the recognition of high quality and effectiveness of communications services via Russian satellites built by NPO PM named after M. F. Reshetnev, - according to Mr. Izmaylov, RSCC Acting Director General, - secondly this is an example of serious and elaborated cooperation between two major operators, who use the each other capabilities to work on global satellite communications markets".

The Express-AM22 (53 E) was launched into orbit 29th December 2003 and entered operation 9th March 16, 2004. The satellite offers the capacity for communications and broadcasting services across Russia (from Kaliningrad to the Urals), CIS countries, Europe, Middle East, North Africa. The Express-AM22 is designed for digital TV and radio broadcasting, telephony, broadband Internet access. The enhanced power Ku-band transponders make it ideal for effective VSAT development, deployment of internal and corporate networks, multimedia (distant learning, telemedicine).

According to Mr. Giuliano Berretta, Eutelsat Chairman of the Management Board and CEO, - "for Eutelsat, this contract with RSCC for capacity on recently launched Express-AM22 satellite marks another chapter in our longstanding relationship with our Russian partners. This flexible and powerful satellite will make an important contribution to the expansion of our in-orbit resource for a diversified client base."

The Express-AM22 is designed under the order of RSCC by NPO PM in cooperation with Alcatel Space. The satellite carries 24 Ku-band transponders (measured in 54 MHz equivalent units). The satellite lifetime is 12 years. The station-keeping accuracy is 0.05 N-S/W-E. The contour antennas of the satellite provide optimum coverage and ability to use satellite terminals from 0.6 m. The satellite steerable beams have enhanced power parameters (up to 54 dBW at centre).