The Yamal-601 Satellite

Gazprom Space Systems’ Yamal 601 satellite has moved a step closer to operation. It was announced today that the Launch Early Operation Phase (LEOP) has been successfully completed and the Yamal- 601 communications satellite is now in the nominal geostationary orbit (GEO) at the right position. Thales Alenia Space built the satellite. The new Yamal-601 satellite will provide fixed C-band communications and data transmission services over the regions of Russia & CIS, Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

This in orbit raising has been implemented with the backup LEOP strategy and the planned multiple manoeuvers occurred properly, the satellite being now in normal mode. The solar panels and antennas have been deployed, and the payload in-orbit testing (IOT) phase is ready to start.

The in-orbit service lifetime will be above the 15 contractual years and the satellite is expected to be put in service at the end of the IOT phase.