Astrium teaming with Khrunichev to build large Russian communications satellite
Paris, Monday 17 March 2008 – The Russian Satellite Communications Company (RSCC) has selected a team of Khrunichev Space Center and Astrium to build the Express AM4 communications satellite.
Express AM4, to be delivered late 2010 and positioned at 80* East, is by far the largest Express satellite ever ordered.
RSCC is focused primarily on the development of satellite communications and the broadcasting network in the Russian Federation to secure the common information space across the country. RSCC currently operates 11 satellites from 14* East to 145* East in geostationary orbit, and is currently looking for high power satellites to complement the existing fleet and fulfil growing needs for satellite capacity.
Express AM4 will use Astrium’s Eurostar E3000 satellite design. The satellite will be delivered in orbit by Khrunichev Space Center using the Proton launch vehicle. It will be equipped with a 63 active transponders operating in L, C, Ku and Ka bands at a payload power of 14 kW for its planned 15-year service life in orbit. Its 10 antennas will provide high performance coverage over the Russian Federation and the CIS countries and its steerable antennas can be used to provide communication to any point within the satellite’s visibility.
This order paves the way for a series of high power Express satellites that could be built for RSCC by this partnership of Khrunichev Space Center and Astrium.
Evert Dudok, CEO of Astrium Satellites, said: “We are very pleased to be awarded this contract from RSCC, which demonstrates its recognition of the capability and advanced technology used on our Eurostar satellites. It is a great success for Astrium and we are fully committed to working closely with our Russian industrial partners to ensure RSCC meets its growing demand for capacity. We are looking forward to building a solid relationship and a long term involvement with Russian space industry.”
Astrium, a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS, is dedicated to providing civil and defence space systems and services. In 2007, Astrium had a turnover of O3.6 billion and 12,000 employees in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands. Its three main areas of activity are Astrium Space Transportation for launchers and orbital infrastructure, Astrium Satellites for spacecraft and ground segment, and its wholly owned subsidiary Astrium Services for the development and delivery of satellite services.
EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2007, EADS generated revenues of O39.1 billion and employed a workforce of more than 116,000.
Media Contacts:
Remi Roland (Astrium FR) Phone: +33 (0) 1 77 75 80 37
Jeremy Close (Astrium UK) Phone: +44 (0)1438 773872
Mathias Pikelj (Astrium GER) Phone: +49 (0)7545 8 91 23
Francisco Lechon (Astrium ESP) Phone: +34 (0)91 586 37 41
