Airbus Group Telecommunications Satellite Express AM4R and Express AM7

Two of the most powerful Eurostar E3000 satellites In March 2012, Airbus Defence and Space was awarded two contracts from the Russian Satellite Communications Company (RSCC) for the delivery of two telecommunications satellites, Express AM4R and Express AM7. Express AM4R, based on Airbus Defence and Space’s highly reliable Eurostar E3000 platform, will replace Express AM4, a large communications satellite built by Airbus Defence and Space for RSCC but lost at launch in August 2011. Express AM4R, which will operate at 80°E, will be the most powerful Russian telecommunications satellite with a communications payload of 63 active transponders (30 in C-band, 28 in Ku-band, two in Ka-band, three in L-band) and 10 antennas. Express AM7 is a new satellite with similar design and a payload adapted to a mission at 40°E to extend RSCC’s capacity at that orbital position. Express AM7 will have a communications payload of 62 active transponders (24 in C-band, 36 in Ku-band, two in L-band). Both satellites will provide high-performance coverage over the Russian Federation and the Commonwealth of Independent States countries and adjoining regions. They will be also equipped with steerable antennas which can provide communication to any point on Earth within the satellite’s range of view.