Preparation of Launching Site for “Proton-M” with “Echostar-14” has Begun on Baikonur

In current moment satellite and launch vehicle are passing autonomous tests in processing facility. „Briz-M“ upper stage is being prepared for transportation to fueling station, where it will be fueled with propellant and its high-pressure tanks will be filled with gas.

Today the specialists of „Yuzhniy“ Space center which is the branch of FGUP „TsENKI“ have begun the preparation of launching site for „Proton-M“ installation and launch organization.

Launch of „Proton-M“ with „Briz-M“ upper-stage and American telecom satellite „Echostar-14“ is planned for 9:27 PM (Moscow time) March 20th, 2010.