New communication satellites launch schedule for 2013 may be changed by Roscosmos due to the recent Proton-M crash, – Russian Ministry of Communications and Mass Media reported.
It was reported that Yamal-202 satellite owned by Gasprom will be used instead of Express-MD1 satellite. The main broadcasting objects will be transferred to receive TV signal from Yamal-202 within Wednesday, broadcasting will be restored within 24 hours for more than 80% of population and within 2 days this figure will be increased to 90%. Within 2 weeks the broadcasting will be restored to the full extent.
By late 2013 there were 3 launches planned and 4 space devices were to be set into the orbit: Express-AM5 and AM6 and Express AT1 and AT2. The launches were planned for late October, early November and late December. These dates will be changed when Roscosmos Accident board and State Board with vice Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin being it Head finish investigating Proton crash causes.
Launch dates issue is of great importance as Federal Unitary Enterprise “Stellite Communications” reported in 2011 that channel capacity of state communication satellites group is being involved at 99-100% meaning it is impossible to back up capacity now. Current situation only proves this fact as it was necessary to back up broadcasting with the help of another satellite, – RIA-Novosti reports.
