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Baikonur Space Port: Sirius FM-5 Integrated with Proton-M. / June 23, 2009 /

Prelaunch operations with US RF broadcasting satellite SIRIUS FM-5 are ongoing at Baikonur.

Last week the experts assembled upper composite (Breeze-M upper stage and the satellite). Khrunichev specialists started assembly of the launch vehicle this weekend — integrated the upper composite with the rocket, performed electrical tests of the launch vehicle and put thermal cover. Then the LV will be headed to the filling station, where the upper stage`s low pressure tanks will be filled with propellant components. This operation will take two days.
In parallel the ground infrastrucute of the launch pad is being prepared for LV arrival.
Proton-M is planned to loft SIRIUS FM -5 in late June.
International Launch Services provides launch services for Sirius FM5 operated by SIRIUS XM Radio. The satellite will provide coverage for the USA, Canada, Mexico, the Carribbeans.
For Proton, this will be the 5th launch from Baikonur this year.

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