[Satellite TODAY 05-16-13] The Russian Satellite Communications Company (RSCC) and Eutelsat Communications have selected Astrium to build the Express-AMU1/ Eutelstat 36C satellite which will be launched in 2015 to provide follow-on and expansion capacity for the Eutelstat 36A broadcast satellite operating at 36 degrees east.

    The Express-AMU1/ Eutelstat 36C will be a high-capacity satellite with up to 70 transponders. It will provide coverage for broadcast services in the European part of the Russian Federation in Ku- and Ka-bands, and ensure service continuity and growth for the broadcast markets Eutelsat has developed in sub-Saharan Africa.

    The satellite’s dual-band design is set to transform the broadcasting infrastructure at 36 degrees east into a broader system to support more television services and IP-based interactive services to accompany the development of Russia’s digital entertainment market.