Express AM5, a Russian communication satellite was orbited on 26 December 2013. The Proton M launch vehicle with this satellite aboard blasted off at 14:49:56 Moscow Time. The new spacecraft of the AM5 heavy-lift family is to be drifted to GSO 140 deg E slot to offer services across the Far East and Siberia.

Express AM5 is built for Russian Space Communications Company (RSCC) by Reshetnev ISS in collaboration with MDA of Canada and the state-owned Radio R and D Institute (NIIR) of Russia. Built around the Express 2000 bus and fit with 84 C-, Ku-, Ka-, or L-transponders this spacecraft is designed to provide services for 15 years.

Its architecture takes into consideration the future development of the domestic market of space communication and TV/audio casting services as set forth in the Federal Goal-oriented Program 'Development of TV/Audio Casting in Russian Federation, 2009 - 2015'.

This program falls within the framework of the Federal Space Program of Russia Through 2015. The spacecraft will enable setting up the infrastructure that will make a TV/Audio multiplex (including HDTV) available for households in eastern areas of this country.

Additionally, AM5 will contribute to handling tasks related to mobile Presidential/Governmental links, broadband Internet connectivity, and provision of service packages (including digital TV, voice links, video teleconferencing, and data transmission) as well as to building VSAT-based networks in Siberia and the Far East.

Express AM5 is to be commissioned for services from 140 deg E May next year - as soon as in-orbit tests and check-outs of all onboard systems have been completed.

"The launch of Express AM5 opens a new page in the development of the Russian constellation. We are facing an enormous amount of work next year aimed at commissioning of the newly-orbited spacecraft in addition to another six satellites, at switching over the networks now in service to these space-borne devices, and at the implementation of the new and long-awaited projects in the field of space communications/digital broadcasting both across Russia and beyond," points out Yury Prokhorov, RSCC General Director.