Acceptance tests on Russia’s new communications and broadcasting satellite Express-AM5 has begun
Express AM-5 will create the infrastructure necessary to ensure access to affordable multi-program digital TV and radio including HD TV in Eastern regions.
The satellite is also intended for mobile communications services in the interests of the presidential and government administration, broadband internet access, provision of multi-service packages (digital TV and radio, telephony, video conferencing, and data transmission), as well as for developing VSAT-based communications networks in the Russian Far East and Siberia.
Russia launched the heavy satellite on 26 December 2013, which is positioned in the 140˚E and is scheduled to be commissioned by RSCC in May 2014.
Express-AM5 was ordered by RSCC and manufactured by ОАО ISS-Reshetnev Company in conjunction with Canada’s MDA and Moscow-based NII Radio.
The satellite carries 84 transponders on board C-, Ku-, Ka- and L-bands and has been built on the Express-2000 platform, and has an active service life of 15 years.
Express-AM5 was designed as part of the Russian Federal Space Program for the period through 2015.
