Proton Delivers Russian Express-Series Satellites Into Orbit

(Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, February 11, 2009) -- Two new Russian telecommunications satellites - the Express-AM44 and Express MD1-were launched aboard a Proton-M launcher with the Breeze M upper stage, lifted off from Baikonur at 03:03 Moscow time (MT) today, on February 11. The satellites were successfully delivered into predicted geostationary orbit. This was the first dual launch of satellites of a new series Express AM and Express-MD.

The new Express-series satellites, ordered and operated by Russian Satellite Communicationa Company-RSCC, were built within the Russian Federal Space Program for 2006-2015. The Express AM33 satellite was the first RSCC satellite launched within the Program. The Express-AM33 was successfully launched into orbit aboard Proton Breeze M in January of 2008 year.(This was the first Proton launch in 2008.)

When operational, the new satellites will be capable of satisfying the growing demands of the Russian state and commercial customers on up-to-date communications and broadcasting, data, Internet and VSAT services.

Source : International Launch Services