Russian Satellite Now Operational

Word has come from the Russian Federal Space program that the new telecommunication spacecraft Express-AM33 was successfully put into operation, located at 96.5º E. This satellite is a part of the Russian Satellite Communication Company’s (RSCC) in-orbit constellation that was launched on April 14, 2008. This is the first RSCC satellite launched within the Russian Federal Space program for 2006-2015, and is ordered and operated by RSCC. The satellite was launched into orbit from Baikonur Space Center on January 28, 2008 and is designed to provide a full range of communications and broadcasting services in C- and Ku-bands, including; digital TV services in standard and high-definition formats; broadband Internet access and data transmission; videoconferencing; and multi-purpose VSAT-networks. In addition, the satellite is equipped with L-band repeater for mobile presidential and government communications. Express-AM33 footprints cover the territory of Russia and Kazakhstan, as well as northern parts of Central Asia, Mongolia and China—Moscow, Russia