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Preparation works for the launch of Proton-M booster with Russian direct broadcasting satellite Express-AM4R are under way at Baikonur spaceport.
Recently Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Centre along with other space industry specialists have accomplished a series of important technological operations.
General assembly of Proton-M space rocket was started in #111 integration building on May 8.
The main assembling operations included docking of the head with booster, electrical tests, leakage test of thermal control system pipes, space device batteries charge and installation of thermal shield on rocket’s nose fairing.
On May 11 after completion of all operations in the integration building the rocket was transported to the fuel servicing area where Briz-M upper stage low-pressure tanks were filled with propellant components. Filling operations were completed on May 12, – Khrunichev Centre press-office reports. In accordance with technical management decision today on May 13, 04.30, Moscow time Proton-M booster with Briz-M upper stage and Express-AM4R space device was rolled out and installed on #200 launching pad and service truss was attached to it.
Space industry launching crews started working in accordance with fisrt launching day schedule.
Proton-M booster launch with Express-AM4R space device is planned for May 16, 01.42, Moscow time.
Express-AM4R space device was designed by EADS Astrium Compnay by Space Communications Federal State Unitary Enterprise order in the framework of Russian Federal Space program for 2006-2015. Space device weighting about 5755 kg was developed on the basis of Eurostar Е3000 platform and equipped with 63 transponders of С-, Кu-, Ка-, L- range and 10 antennas to Russia and CIS countries with communication.
At the present time Express-AM4R satellite is the most powerful and high-technology of Russian satellites. It will be the 3rd satellite of Express series launched in 2014. On March 16, 2014 Proton-M booster and Briz-M satellites successfully orbited Express-AT1 and Express-AT space devices.
Quelle: RSN
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Update: 15.05.2014
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Proton Rocket Carrying Advanced Russian Satellite Readies for Launch
A Russian Proton rocket carrying an advanced satellite is preparing for a Friday launch at the Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan, a spokesman for the Russian space agency told RIA Novosti.
“The launch is scheduled for 1:42 a.m. Moscow time,” the Roscosmos spokesman said. The satellite is expected to separate from the Briz-M upper stage at 10:55 a.m. Moscow time.
The advanced Express-AM4R satellite is manufactured by Astrium, an aerospace subsidiary of the European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company (EADS), and was built under the Russia’s space program for 2006-2015.
The spacecraft, massing 5.8 metric tons, is based on the Eurostar Е3000 platform and equipped with 63 transponders providing X-band, C-band, S-band, L-band, Ku-band, and Ka-band capacity and 10 antennas for satellite communications in Russia and neighboring CIS states.
The Express-AM4R will be Russia’s most powerful and high-tech satellite. It will become the third spacecraft of the Express series to be launched this year. In March, a Proton-M rocket put into orbit the Express- AT1 and Express-AT satellites.
Quelle: RIA NOVOSTI
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