New Russian telecommunication satellite Express-AM33 successfully launched

28.01 : 2008

On 28 January 2008 at 0:18 a.m. GMT, the new Russian telecommunication satellite Express-AM33 was successfully launched at the Baikonur Space Center. The satellite was delivered onto the reference orbit by the Proton-M launcher with the Breeze M upper stage and is now controlled by RSCC’ Satellite Control Centre. At present, the ground-based facilities of the RSCC’ Ground Control Centre monitor and control the satellite by putting the satellite onto the GEO and its following operation at 96.5 East.

The Express-AM33 satellite, ordered and operated by RSCC,  was manufactured by NPO PM (Krasnoyarsk) together with Thales Alenia Space (France) and designed for providing digital TV services, Internet access, data transmission, video conferencing, VSAT multi-service network deployment as well as mobile presidential and governmental communications.

The Express-AM-33 satellite is the sixth implementation of the Express-AM satellite platform. The distinctive feature of the new satellite is the steerable C- and Ku-band antennas enabling a most flexible respond to different customer requests.  The Express-AM33 power characteristics are improved by minimum 3-5 dB as compared to other satellites of this series permitting the customers to use smaller diameter earth antennas and to reduce the costs.

After completing the tests, the Express-AM33 satellite will be put into commercial operation within the RSCC’ orbital constellation late February – early March. The powerful C-, Ku- and L-band repeaters are supposed to be used for providing communications and broadcasting services on the territory of the Russian Federation as well as in the countries of the Asia Pacific region.

“Launching Express-AM33 is the first stage of implementing the Federal Space Program of Russia for 2006 till 2015. The new satellite will be capable of satisfying the growing demands, first of all of the Russian state and commercial customers, on up-to-date communications and broadcasting services inclusive HD TV, value added services and multi-function VSAT networks. In the context of the Federal  Space Program till 2015 RSCC intends to further consolidate its positions and to expand its presence in the world satellite communications market” – says Yuri Izmailov, RSCC’ Acting Director General.

The Express-AM33 satellite (96.5 East) carries 10 C-band (40 MHz) transponders,  16 Ku-band (54 MHz) transponders, and 1 L-band (1 MHz) transponder with improved power characteristics.  The satellite dry mass is 2.579 kg, its orbital operational life is 12 years, the station keeping accuracy is ±0.05 N&S/W&E which makes it possible to use low-cost earth antennas without automatic tracking devices. The satellite is equipped with steerable antennas enabling the footprints to be tailored to the changing customer demands.