Russia's Express-AM8 satellite starts broadcasting

RSCC’s Express-AM8 starts communications and broadcasting services

Following the completion of in-orbit testing, Russia’s new communications and broadcasting satellite, Express-AM8, has been commissioned as of December 1, 2015, at its nominal orbital slot, 14 degrees East.

Express-AM8 is intended for TV broadcasting services (including those under the Federal Target Program called Development of TV and Radio Broadcasting in the Russian Federation in 2009-2018), data and internet access, corporate and agency-owned communications networks, as well as communications services for marine and other mobile objects. The coverage zones of Express-AM8 in the С- and Ku-bands include Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America.

The Express-AM8 spacecraft was orbited by Proton-M / DM3 Upper Stage on 14 September 2015 from Baikonur. The spacecraft was manufactured by JSC Information Satellite Systems – Reshetnev Company, and has a service life of 15 years.

“By commissioning the Express-AM8 satellite, RSCC completes the implementation of the Development of TV and Radio Broadcasting in the Russian Federation in 2009-2018 Federal Target Program in respect of the orbital constellation deployment”, says RSCC Director-General Yuri Prokhorov. “Thanks to satellite technologies, 98% of Russia’s residents have access to digital broadcasts. Our Company has fulfilled its obligations to build the space segment and terrestrial infrastructure for distributing generic TV/radio digital packages across Russia”.