Article Posted on : - Sep 23, 2010

Thales Alenia Space

CANNES (BNS): Thales Alenia Space has announced a three-party contract with two Russian companies to supply the Express AM8, AT1 and AT2 communications satellite payloads, the company said Wednesday.

Thales Alenia Space will supply communications payloads to Russian Satellite Communications Company (RSCC) and Information Satellite Systems - Reshetnev Company (ISS - Reshetnev).

The satellite will be based on an Express 1000 platform provided by JSC “ISS – Reshetnev Company” and the satellites will be integrated and tested in ISS’ premises, Krasnoyarsk, Russia.

“Cooperation with Russia is strategically important for Thales Alenia Space who does plan to continue to involve Russian space industry and expertise on a larger and deeper level,” Reynald Seznec, President and CEO of Thales Alenia Space, said in a statement.

“For AM8, AT1 and AT2 satellites, Thales Alenia Space has proposed to its customer and to the Russian Authorities to further deepen existing collaboration and develop a new industrial partnership”, he added.

Express AT1 will operate at 56°E for a 15 years lifetime. The payload power is about 5.6 kW. AT1 will carry 32 active Ku-band transponders over West and East Russia.

Express AT2 will operate at 36°E for a 15 years lifetime. The payload power is about 3 kW. AT2 will carry 16 active Ku-band transponders over West Russia.

Express AM8 will operate at 14°W for a 15 years lifetime. The payload power is about 5.9 kW. AM8 and it will carry 24 active C-band transponders covering Europe-Africa and America, 16 active Ku-band transponders covering Europe-Asia, Africa, North and South America and 2 active L-band transponders.

Thales Alenia Space is associated with Russia since the launch of SEASAT programme. The partnership has created a successful history of more than 15 years.