The Russian Satellite Communications Co. (RSCC) has selected a team of Khrunichev Space Center and Astrium to build the Express AM4 communications satellite, which will be delivered at the end of 2010. 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. The company currently operates 11 satellites and is currently looking for high power satellites to complement the existing fleet and fulfill growing needs for satellite capacity.

Express AM4 will use Astrium’s Eurostar E3000 satellite design. It will be equipped with 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 ten 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 the 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."