Proton-M heavy booster with Turkish TurkSat-4A communication satellite was launched from Baikonur Spaceport, Roscosmos representative reported.
Space device separated from Briz-M upper stage at 10.22 Moscow time. It was the first time Proton-M booster is used to orbit the satellite of Turkish operator Turksat Satellite Communication, Cable TV and Operation A. S. besides it was the first Proton launch with device designed by Mitsubishi Electric corporation, – the spokesman stated.
New satellite will provide turkey, Europe, Central Asia Africa and Middle East with broadcasting and broadband communication services.
Turksat will be set into geostationary orbit at the point of 24 degrees eastern longitude to increase the power of satellite operator. There are already 2 space devices at this point Turksat-2A and Turksat-3A.
The satellite weighting about 4,5 tons will produce up to 15 kilowatt power and was designed to operate on the orbit for 30 years.
Turksat-4A is the 4th space device in Turkish communication satellite group. Moreover one more communication satellite – Turksat-4B will be launched in 2014.
This satellite also designed by Japanese Mitsubishi Electric corporation on the basis of DS-2000 platform will be placed at the point of 50 degrees eastern longitude . Turksat-4B will be launched from Baikonur spaceport by Proton-M booster. The date of the launch depends on Turksat-4A satellite orbital tests.
