Russia to launch 8 new communications satellites on geostationary orbit

The State Unitary Enterprise Russian Space Communications Company plans to launch eight new communication and broadcasting satellites into geostationary orbit in 2029-2030. The launches will be carried out in stages, with four spacecraft deployed annually. This was announced to TASS by the enterprise General Director Alexei Volin.

• Eight new Express-AMU and Express-AT satellites will be launched in 2029-2030
• A total of 286 transponders will be placed on board these spacecraft
• Contracts for the manufacturing of all eight satellites have already been signed
• In 2027, production will focus on components and assembly preparation

Production contracts and timeline

According to Alexei Volin, contracts for building all eight satellites have already been concluded. The first four units were ordered at the end of last year, another one a few years earlier, and the remaining three in April. In 2027, the enterprise will focus on manufacturing components and preparing for the assembly of satellite platforms.

This proactive contracting ensures that all spacecraft will be built according to schedule. Engineers and manufacturers will direct their efforts toward creating high-quality payload equipment and robust satellite buses.

Structure of the new satellite constellation

The planned constellation includes Express-AMU4, Express-AMU6, Express-AMU8, Express-AMU40, Express-AMU51, Express-AMU52, as well as Express-AT3 and Express-AT4 models. A total of 286 transponders will be hosted across these satellites to handle extensive telecommunications traffic.

These modern payloads will provide high data throughput and support continuous television broadcasting, reliable internet access, and secure data transmission channels across vast geographical areas.

Advantages of geostationary orbit

The geostationary orbit is located at an altitude of about 36,000 kilometers above the Earth. Satellites placed in this orbit move at the same angular velocity as the Earth, remaining virtually stationary above a single point on the planet for ground observers.

This specific characteristic allows ground terminals to maintain a fixed antenna position without complex tracking systems, ensuring continuous and stable satellite broadcasting and communication services.

Strategic importance for telecommunications

The large-scale modernization of the satellite fleet holds strategic importance for expanding telecommunications infrastructure. The integration of 286 new transponders will significantly boost signal transmission capabilities.

For businesses and end-users, this upgrade translates to improved internet connectivity in remote areas, enhanced network resilience, and new opportunities for advanced satellite-based services in the future.