RSCC’s new satellite Express-AM8 has become operational in its nominal orbital slot of 14 degrees West.
Express-AM8 is intended for TV broadcasting services (including those under the Federal Target Program called Development of TV and Radio Broadcasting in the Russian Federation in 2009-2018), data and internet access, corporate and agency-owned communications networks, as well as communications services for marine and other mobile objects. Its coverage zones in the ?- and Ku-bands include Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Commenting on the development, RSCC DG Yuri Prokhorov said: “By commissioning the Express-AM8 satellite, RSCC completes the implementation of the Development of TV and Radio Broadcasting in the Russian Federation in 2009-2018 Federal Target Program in respect of the orbital constellation deployment.
“Thanks to satellite technologies, 98% of Russia’s residents have access to digital broadcasts. Our Company has fulfilled its obligations to build the space segment and terrestrial infrastructure for distributing generic TV/radio digital packages across Russia”.
Express-AM8 was launched by Proton-M / DM3 Upper Stage from Baikonur on September 14.
It was manufactured by JSC Information Satellite Systems – Reshetnev Company, and has a service life of 15 years.