spacetoday.net: Proton launches two communications satellites

Posted: Sun, Mar 16, 2014, 8:59 AM ET (1259 GMT)
Proton launch of Express-AT1 and 2 (Roscosmos)

A Proton rocket successfully launched a pair of Russian communications satellites on Sunday. The Proton M lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome at 7:08 pm EDT Saturday (2308 GMT Saturday, 5:08 am local time Sunday) carrying the Express-AT1 and Express-AT2 satellites. The two satellites separated from the Breeze M upper stage about nine hours after liftoff. Russian company ISS Reshetnev built the two satellites, with Thales Alenia Space providing the communications payloads. Express-AT1 weighed 1,725 kilograms at launch and carries 32 Ku-band transponders, while Express-AT2 weighed 1,425 kilograms at launch and carries 16 Ku-band transponders. Express-AT1 will operate from 56 degrees east in GEO and Express-AT2 at 140 degrees east, providing direct-to-home television and radio broadcasting for Russian company RSCC.