Replenishment in orbit: new satellites Express-AMU3 and Express-AMU7 launched from the Baikonur cosmodrome

They will occupy their positions in the geostationary orbit (GEO) at 103° E and 145° E, respectively. They are intended for stationary and mobile communication services, digital television and radio broadcasting, data transmission, as well as high-speed Internet access.

The satellites will be orbited stepwise. After the launch and the upper stage separation, they will take their positions in GEO with the help of the electric propulsion engines. Communication with the satellites was established, RSCC Mission Control Center took them over control. The commissioning is expected in March 2022. The operational lifetime of the satellites is 15 years.

“Today, RSCC has the largest geostationary communication and broadcasting constellation in Russia, providing global coverage. And we continue to increase it: now the constellation was replenished with two modern and reliable satellites. Their advantageous coverage, which includes the eastern part of Russia and the CIS countries, makes it possible to improve the quality of TV broadcasting, satellite Internet, maritime and other services”, said Alexey Volin, General Director of Russian Satellite Communications Company.

The Express-AMU3 multibeam satellite is developed to transmit data and provide Internet access using small user stations. Express-AMU7, first of all, will increase the reliability of federal TV broadcasting in four zones of the eastern part of Russia, as well as provide additional communication channels in the Far East. Both satellites will be used to develop maritime services in this region and along the Northern Sea Route.

Both satellites were created by the leading Russian rocket and space enterprise: ISS – Reshetnev Company. The payload equipment was projected and manufactured by Thales Alenia Space.