[Satellite TODAY 05-11-11] Russian state satellite operator Russian Satellite Communications Co. (RSCC) signed a memorandum of understanding with Eutelsat, which will expand their strategic satellite partnership, Eutelsat announced May 10.

The agreement will see the two partners launch new satellite to the 36 degrees East orbital slot in 2015. RSCC Director General Yuri Prokhorov said the new spacecraft would be designed to optimize capacity at a multi-satellite position for consumer broadcasting and multimedia services within a footprint extending from Russia to the Urals.

“With the commissioning and the launch of a new satellite, the Russian Federation will have additional capabilities to expand its direct broadcasting networks in the European part of the country and have the necessary in-orbit resources to support further growth of the satellite business,” Prokhorov said in a statement.

The satellite also will carry a payload with a footprint over sub-Saharan Africa to provide long-term continuity for services currently supplied by Eutelsat’s W4 satellite, as well as additional capacity for further expansion. Eutelsat will provide the financing for the satellite, with launch services being provided within the framework of Russia’s current Federal Space Program for 2006-2015. In-orbit operations will be managed by RSCC from its Dubna satellite center.

            Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.