Ekspress AM8

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ekspress-AM8
NamesЭкспресс-АМ8
Express-AM8
Mission typeCommunications
OperatorRSCC Space Communications (RSCC)
COSPAR ID2015-048A Edit this at Wikidata
SATCAT no.40895
Websiteeng.rscc.ru
Mission duration15 years (planned)
8 years, 7 months and 8 days (in progress)
Spacecraft properties
SpacecraftEkspress-AM8
Spacecraft typeEkspress
BusEkspress-1000H
ManufacturerISS Reshetnev (bus)
Thales Alenia Space (payload)
Launch mass2,100 kg (4,600 lb)
Dry mass661 kg (1,457 lb)
Power5.880 kW
Start of mission
Launch date14 September 2015,
19:00:00 UTC[2]
RocketProton-M / Blok DM-03
Launch siteBaikonur, Site 81/24
ContractorKhrunichev State Research and Production Space Center
Entered service1 December 2015 [1]
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric orbit
RegimeGeostationary orbit
Longitude14° West (2015–present)
Transponders
Band38 transponders:
24 C-band
12 Ku-band
2 L-band
Coverage areaRussia, CIS
 

Ekspress-AM8 (Russian: Экспресс-АМ8 meaning Express-AM8) is a Russian communications satellite which was launched in 2015. Part of the Ekspress series of geostationary communications satellites, it is owned and operated by the RSCC Space Communications.

Satellite description[edit]

Thales Alenia Space, constructed Ekspress-AM8 payload, and ISS Reshetnev constructed the satellite bus which was based on the Ekspress-1000NTB. The satellite has a mass of 2,100 kg (4,600 lb), provides 5.9 kilowatts to its payload, and a planned operational lifespan of 15 years. The satellite carried 62 transponders: 24 operating in the C-band of the electromagnetic spectrum, 12 in the Ku-band and 2 in the L-band.[1]

Mission[edit]

The satellite is designed to provide TV and radio broadcasting services, data transmission, multimedia services, telephony, and mobile communications.[1]

Launch[edit]

Ekspress-AM8 was originally to be launched in 2012 or 2013 into RSCC's 14° West longitude, but was delayed to 2015. It used a Proton-M / Blok DM-03 launch vehicle to be inserted directly into geostationary orbit.[3]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c "Express-AM8". RSCC Space Communications. 25 March 2021. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
  2. ^ Bergin, Chris (14 September 2015). "Russian Proton M successfully launches Ekspress-AM8". NASASpaceFliught.com. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
  3. ^ "Ekspress-AM8". Gunter's Space Page. 21 July 2019. Retrieved 25 March 2021.