[Satellite News – 4-18-08] The Russian Satellite Communications Company (RSCC), one of the main players on the Russian satellite landscape, recently signed a deal for a new satellite, the Express-AM4. The Russian national satellite operator is set to work with EADS Astrium on the new satellite, which is part of an extensive satellite renovation program.
    Earlier this year, as part of that renovation program, RSCC launch its new Express-AM33 satellite. The Express-AM33 satellite, ordered and operated by RSCC, was manufactured by NPO PM (Krasnoyarsk) together with Thales Alenia Space and designed for providing digital TV services, Internet access, data transmission, video conferencing and VSAT multi-service network deployment as well as mobile presidential and governmental communications.
    The challenge for the operator is to use satellite technology to benefit Russian citizens. In an exclusive interview to Satellite News Associate Editor Mark Holmes, Yuri Izmailov, acting director general and CEO of RSCC, talks about the challenges ahead for the company and how spending on new, more powerful satellites will benefit households across Russia, as well as other CIS States.

Satellite News: What are the major challenges for RSCC over the next 12 months? Could you tell us about your capital expenditure plans in terms of ordering new satellites?

Izmailov: In 2006, RSCC started a new satellite renovation program, and the successful launch of Express-AM33 was the first outcome of this. Currently the satellite is being tested, and then Express-AM33 will be put into service at 96.5º East. In the third quarter of 2008 we plan to deliver into orbit two more satellites – Express-AM44 and a small satellite Express-MD1. Besides this, RSCC intends to develop several fundamentally new spacecraft. Recently we signed a contract with the Khrunichev Center to build the Express-AM4 satellite, which will differ significantly from all our previous satellites both in service lifetime (15 years), in the payload power (14 kW) and in the number of transponders (more than 60). Express-AM4 will be based on EADS Astrium’s Eurostar E3000 platform and will be placed at the 80º East orbital position. The satellite will carry C-, Ku-, Ka-, L- and extended L-band transponders. RSCC is going to use not only geostationary but also high-elliptical orbit to provide territories not visible by geostationary satellites with communications and broadcasting services.

Satellite News: Could you tell us about the goals of Federal Space Program of Russia between now and 2015? What role will RSCC play in this program?

Izmailov: The Russian Federal Space Program (FSP) was formed to plan the manufacturing of space equipment and its use for scientific, social and economic purposes of the country. The FSP for 2006 to 2015 presupposes the development, compensation and maintenance of the spacecraft constellation in order to satisfy the increasing demands of state institutions, regions and population of the country for space facilities and services.
    In the context of the FSP for 2006 to 2015, RSCC is responsible for the development of fixed satellite communications and broadcasting systems that include not only the space segment, but also the terrestrial infrastructure. Within the FSP till 2015 RSCC plans to deliver into orbit no less than ten communications and broadcasting satellites of different series. Also, RSCC will deploy a new teleport ‘Sochi’ and continue to develop the TV compression and multiplexing system, as well as the system of satellite monitoring and control.

Satellite News: Could you tell us about the Express-AM33 satellite? How much capacity had you sold on the satellite at launch? What types of capacity deals are you hoping to do on the satellite in 2008?

 Izmailov: The Express-AM33 satellite is the first spacecraft launched in the context of the RSCC’ satellite fleet renovation program for 2006 to 2015. Express-AM33 will enable us to overcome the shortage of in-orbit capacity on the Russian market, which arose particularly due to implementing the Federal projects of connecting all Russian schools to the Internet and the launch of universal communications services. New satellites will be used for providing digital TV and radio broadcasting in Russia, and for further development of VSAT networks.
    The distinctive feature of Express-AM33 is the C- and Ku-band steerable antennas, which allow us to tailor the spacecraft footprints to changing demands of the market. The capabilities of the new spacecraft will satisfy the growing demands of the customers for cutting-edge telecommunications services including HDTV, multimedia services and multifunctional VSAT networks. The demand for Express-AM33 capacity is very high and we plan to fill nearly the whole satellite in 2008.

Satellite News: How do you see the direct-to-home (DTH) market developing in Russia? How do you expect the HDTV market to develop in Russia?

Izmailov: At present, the DTH broadcast systems are making rapid progress in Russia. In 2007, RSCC’s DTH satellites Bonum-1 and W4 have been filled up to 100 percent. As for the HDTV market, I think it is a very promising service in Russia, although its’ current audience is extremely small. The Olympic Games 2008 in Beijing should play a major role in the HDTV popularization, as in Russia the Games will be broadcast in HD. RSCC works closely with broadcasting companies and telecom operators in order to make HDTV services widely available for customers.

Satellite News: Satellite broadband is a hot topic at the moment. Is there a strong market opportunity for RSCC in terms of satellite broadband? Can satellite broadband make an impact in Russia?

Izmailov: It would not be too much of an exaggeration to say that 2007 became a VSAT year in Russia. Within the state projects on universal service and broadband Internet access for Russian schools, RSCC set up more than 100 satellite communications channels on three Express-AM satellites, as well as performed tests of more that 7.5 VSAT stations in 62 regions of the Russian Federation. The project of such a scale is unprecedented for Russia. The unique experience and established cooperation we have gained will help us to continue the intense development of broadband services in Russia for all kinds of customers. New satellites Express-AM33 and Express-AM44 will play a key role in this respect, as they will help us to overcome the shortage of satellite capacity.

Satellite News: How attractive is Russia for satellite communications? Is there a mobile TV opportunity for RSCC?

Izmailov: The Express-AM satellites provide the coverage of all Russian regions and RSCC is ready to provide any satellite communications and broadcasting services on any scale. We cooperate with telecom operators to offer new services to the Russian market, and mobile TV is one of the options in the development strategy. I suppose in the near future telecom operators will be able to provide end-users with a ready made mobile TV solution that will be economically attractive and available in any point of the country. Taking into account the project for renovation, satellite infrastructure provides infinite opportunities in this respect. 

Satellite News: Finally, what role do you see the company playing on the satellite service landscape in Eastern Europe? Where do you hope to position the company?

Izmailov: RSCC satellites cover most countries of the world but as a state satellite operator of Russia we pay the main attention to the development and maintenance of satellite communications and broadcasting systems in Russia and the CIS countries. These two regions are of the priority importance to us and RSCC is an undoubted leader in the satellite market of Russia and CIS. The development strategy of the company is targeted at strengthening RSCC’ positions on these two markets, but at the same time we develop cooperation with different countries of the region.