RSCC launches two new satellites

Russian Satellite Communications Company (RSCC) has successfully launched two new satellites, Express-80 and Express-103, from the Baikonur cosmodrome.

The two craft were put into the target geo-transfer orbit and later will be placed in the geostationary orbit at the 80° and 96.5° East orbital slots.

The spacecraft are intended to provide fixed and mobile services; digital TV and radio broadcasting; high-speed Internet access and data transmission across the Russian Federation and abroad. The satellites should begin commercial operation in January and February 2021.

The satellites were manufactured by Russia’s JSC ISS Reshetnev, in collaboration with its European partner, Thales Alenia Space.

RSCC now operates a fleet of 10 geostationary satellites operating in the C-, Ku-, Ka- and L-bands on an arc from 14° West to 140° East, providing services to clients in 58 countries on all continents.

“With two newly-launched satellites, Express-80 and Express-103, the throughput of our constellation is now up by a quarter,” said Yuri Prokhorov, RSCC acting Director General.

“It is crucial for RSCC that these spacecrafts in orbital slots centred over the Russian Federation are already demanded by our customers. This will allow telecom operators to transfer their networks from foreign spacecraft and provide domestic subscribers with the most advanced digital communications and broadcasting services, including Internet access for maritime and aerial customers.”