Yamal 601. Photo: Thales Alenia Space

[Via Satellite 01-24-2014] Russian operator Gazprom Space Systems (GSS) has selected Thales Alenia Space to build its Yamal 601 telecommunications satellite that will provide fixed communications, broadcast and Internet access services to Russian customers. Thales Alenia Space will be in charge of the satellite design, production and turnkey delivery and will also assist in training GSS staff as a part of their skills transfer plan.

Yamal 601, set to replace the existing Yamal 202 satellite, will be based on the Spacebus 4000C4 platform, carrying 18 C-band transponders, 19 Ku-band transponders and 26 Ka-band transponders focusing on Russia.