Proton-M booster with European Astra-2G telecommunication satellite will be launched from Baikonur spaceport on Sunday, – Roscosmos spokesman reported.

The launch is scheduled for December 28, 00.37, Moscow time. At 00.47 space head comprising Briz-M upper stage and space device will separate from the booster. Launch program will be over by 09.50, Moscow time when Astra-2G satellite separates from the upper stage.

According Khrunichev Centre data  Astra-2G space device was manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space (a department of European Airbus Group) on the order of SES (Luxembourg) satellite communication operator.

Astra-2G satellite was designed on the basis of Eurostar E3000. Launch weight of the satellite amounts to 6 tons, wing span upon solar arrays deployment – 40 meters, capacity – 13kW.

Astra-2G will be set into geostationary orbit to provide broadcasting and internet access for Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Astra-2G will be the 24^th SES satellite launched with the help of Proton-M booster and the 9^th Eurostar satellite in SES orbital group. Three more E3000 space devices for SES needs are being manufactures at the present time.

This launch will be the 401^st in the history of Proton-M booster operation.