Proton M Launches Twin Express Payload

Feb 12, 2009
By Michael A. Taverna



A Russian government Proton M rocket has launched a pair of spacecraft for Russian Satellite Communications Co. (RSCC).

Both spacecraft were built by Russian contractors using Thales Alenia payloads. The 2.6 metric ton AM44, built by Reshetnev ISS, which has long worked with Thales Alenia for RSCC, carries 16 Ku-, 10 C- and one L-band transponder and will be located at 11 deg. W. Long. Express MD-1, a smaller unit manufactured by Khrunichev, will provide voice, data and radio broadcasting capacity from 53 deg. E.

It was the first launch of the year for the Proton. The first commercial launch set for International Launch Services (ILS) is scheduled for the spring. The Proton vehicle for this launch was delivered on Feb. 6.

Meanwhile, the last ILS payload, Ciel 2, has entered service at 129 deg. W. for the Canadian startup Ciel, owned partly by SES. Dish Network is anchor customer for Ciel 2, which was orbited on Dec. 10.

Proton M launch photo: RSCC