RSCC’s Express AM6 satellite. Photo: RSCC

[Via Satellite 04-22-2015] Russian Satellite Communications Company’s (RSCC’s) Express AM6 satellite, launched Oct. 21, 2014 aboard a Proton rocket, has initiated service from the 53 degrees east orbital slot. Built by ISS Reshetnev with support from the Radio Research Institute of Russia and MDA Corporation of Canada, the satellite used electric propulsion to reach its location in Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO). With the new satellite in place, RSCC plans to relocate the Express AM22 satellite that currently operates from 53 degrees east over to 80 degrees east.

Express AM6 carries 72 transponders in C, Ku, Ka and L bands for coverage over Russia, Europe the Middle East, Africa and Asia. The satellite fits in Russia’s Federal Target Program, “Development of TV/Radio Broadcasting in the Russian Federation in 2009 to 2015,” as part of the framework of Russia’s federal space program.

“Express AM6 has started operation according to the schedule and experts’ forecasts. The Russian constellation development not only enhance the reliability of the satellite system, but also helps to protect the orbital slots,” said Oleg Dukhovnitsky, head of the Russian Federal Communications Agency.