Russian-French communications satellite reaches target orbit

Text of report by Russian news agency RIA

Moscow, 29 December: The Express-AM22 new-generation satellite that was launched on Monday [29 December] from the Baykonur cosmodrome reached the target orbit at 0834 Moscow time [0534 gmt], the press service of the Russian Space Troops has told RIA.

The satellite was developed at the Reshetnev Applied Mechanics Research and Production Association in Zheleznogorsk together with the French company Alcatel Space. It is equipped with cutting-edge antenna systems. “Express-AM22′s contour antennas ensure the optimum distribution of signal over all of its service zones and the possibility of using satellite terminals with a diameter of 0.6 m. and above,” a Rosaviakosmos spokesman said.

The new spacecraft is intended for digital television and radio broadcasting, telephony, and broadband Internet, for developing VSAT- networks, creating departmental and corporate networks as well as providing multimedia services – distance learning and telemedicine. The satellite’s active term of service is 12 years.

The new satellite is planned to be located at a longitude of 53 degrees east on the geostationary orbit.