Proton-M booster with Kazakh KazSat-3 communication satellite and Russian Luch satellite was successfully launched from Baikonur spaceport on Monday, – Roscosmos representative reported. The booster set the satellites into intermediate orbit, then Briz-M upper stage will set both satellites into final orbit.
Proton was launched at the time planned. Kazakh KazSat-3 communication satellite was the main part of the payload, it will separate from Briz-M upper stage at 17.17 Moscow time. Russian Luch relay satellite will separate from the upper stage a bit later, at 17.57 Moscow time, – the spokesman noted.
Luch-5V space device is the 3rd satellite in Luch multifunctional relay space system being developed in the framework of Russian Federal space program for 2006-2015. Luch relay system’s aim is to provide Russian ISS segment, low-orbiting space devices, boosters and upper stages with communication with ground-based facilities.
The first two Luch satellites were successfully launched with the help of Proton-M booster and Briz-M upper stage. Luch-5A was set into final orbit along with Amos-5 satellite in December 2011, while Lucn-5B space device – along with Yamal-300K space device in November 2012.
KazSat-3 communication space device is to provide communication, broadcasting and high-speed internet access services for Kazakhstan and neighbouring states.
The satellite was developed and manufactured against the contract with “All-republic Space Communication Centre” (Republic of Kazakhstan) in the framework of Republic of Kazakhstan national communication and broadcasting space system creation project. The first two KazSat satellites were launched by Proton in 2006 and 2011.
