The Proton-M launch vehicle with the Express-AMU3 and Express-AMU7 telecommunication satellites took off from the Baikonur cosmodrome on December 13 at 15:07 Moscow time, the launch is broadcast by Roscosmos.
In about nine minutes, the warhead, consisting of the Breeze-M upper stage and two satellites, will separate from the third stage of the launch vehicle. “Express-AMU7” will separate from the upper stage in 17 hours and 50 minutes after the launch of the rocket, “Express-AMU3” – in 18 hours and 7 minutes.
The spacecraft will be re-launched using satellite propulsion systems, which include two SPD-100V engines and one SPD-140D engine.
The term for additional deployment of the Express-AMU7 satellite will be no more than 56 days, and the Express-AMU3 satellite – no more than 59.
On December 9, the launch of the launch vehicle was postponed due to problems identified in the Briz-M upper stage. It was reported that the technical management decided to calmly modify the missile system in the assembly and test building.
“Express-AMU3” and “Express-AMU7” are manufactured by the Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems company in the interests of the “Space Communication” enterprise (RSCC).
The satellites will circulate in a target orbit of 54.9 thousand km. They are planned to last at least 15 years.
Now the RSCC orbital constellation consists of 12 Express telecommunication satellites. It is expected to include 14 more satellites by 2030.
Source: IZ
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
