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Proton-M Rocket Launch Preparation Continuing at Baikonur. / February 17, 2014 /

The launch preparation of the Proton-M vehicle with the Breeze-M upper stage and cluster of two Russian Express-AT1 and Express-AT2 telecommunication spacecraft is still in progress at the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
The launch vehicle, upper stage and spacecraft are in assembly & test building, Pad 92А-50 of the cosmodrome where the ROSCOSMOS’s expert teams are carrying out their autonomous tests.
This morning, in launch complex, Pad 81 the expert teams from Operation Center 2 and other divisions of Yuzhny Space Center (FGUP TsENKI Division) have started preparing the launch complex’s equipment and instrumentation for the upcoming launch.
The Proton-M rocket with Breeze-M upper stage and cluster of two Russian Express series communication spacecraft is scheduled for launch for 16 March 2014.

Express-AT1 and Express-AT2 are built by the JSC Academician M.F. Reshetnev „Information Satellite Systems“.
Express-AT1 is built around the Express-1000N platform. Its weight is about 1800kg. The spacecraft carries 32 Ku-band transponders (relay channel and 8 backup channels as well). Express-AT1 is expected to operate in orbit at least 15 years providing the TV broadcasting across the Western and Central Russia, the Western and Central Siberia, and almost all territory of Kazakhstan.
Express-AT2 is based on the Express-1000K platform. Its mass is about 1250kg. The spacecraft is installed with 16 Ku-band transponders. It will provide the Eastern Russia with the TV-broadcasting services. Its life time is expected to be no less than 15 years.

ROSCOSMOS Press Service

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