Express AM5 satellite. Photo: MDA

[Via Satellite 12-26-13] The ISS-Reshetnev-built Express AM5 satellite was successfully launched from platform 81 at Russia’s Baikonur Cosmodrome onboard a Proton M rocket.

Express AM5 is the first satellite built around ISS-Reshetnev’s heavy-class Express-2000 platform. Positioned in GEO at 140 degrees east, the satellite will carry 30 transponders for C-band, 40 Ku-band transponders, 12-Ka band, and 2-L band transponders. The spacecraft is intended to provide digital television and radio broadcasting services across Russia, mobile presidential and government communications, multimedia services, and VSAT network base solutions.

Express AM5 was manufactured under a contract with Russian Satellite Communications Company (RSCC), the national operator, and has an expected lifetime of 15 years. The 3400-kg satellite carries MDA‘s repeater communication module and complete antenna subsystems.