Astrium Teaming with Khrunichev to Build Large Russian Communications Satellite

Released on Monday, March 17, 2008

The Russian Satellite Communications Company (RSCC) has selected a team of Khrunichev Space Center and Astrium to build the Express AM4 communications satellite.

Express AM4, to be delivered late 2010 and positioned at 80�E, is by far the largest Express satellite ever ordered.

RSCC is focused primarily on the development of satellite communications and the broadcasting network in the Russian Federation to secure the common information space across the country. RSCC currently operates 11 satellites from 14�W to 145�E in geostationary orbit, and is currently looking for high power satellites to complement the existing fleet and fulfil growing needs for satellite capacity.

Express AM4 will use Astrium's Eurostar E3000 satellite design. The satellite will be delivered in orbit by Khrunichev Space Center using the Proton launch vehicle. It will be equipped with a 63 active transponders operating in L, C, Ku and Ka bands at a payload power of 14 kW for its planned 15-year service life in orbit. Its ten antennas will provide high performance coverage over the Russian Federation and the CIS countries and its steerable antennas can be used to provide communication to any point within the satellite's visibility.

This order paves the way for a series of high power Express satellites that could be built for RSCC by this partnership of Khrunichev Space Center and Astrium.

Evert Dudok, CEO of Astrium Satellites, said: "We are very pleased to be awarded this contract from RSCC, which demonstrates its recognition of the capability and advanced technology used on our Eurostar satellites. It is a great success for Astrium and we are fully committed to working closely with our Russian industrial partners to ensure RSCC meets its growing demand for capacity. We are looking forward to building a solid relationship and a long term involvement with Russian space industry."

Astrium, a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS, is dedicated to providing civil and defence space systems and services. In 2007, Astrium had a turnover of €3.6 billion and 12,000 employees in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands. Its three main areas of activity are Astrium Space Transportation for launchers and orbital infrastructure, and Astrium Satellites for spacecraft and ground segment, and its wholly owned subsidiary Astrium Services for the development and delivery of satellite services.