Proton-M heavy booster with European SES-6 communication satellite was launched from Baikonur coxmodrome, – Khrunichev Centre (constructed Proton-M booster and Briz-M upper stage) representative told RIA-Novosti.
“The launch took place at 13.18 Moscow time. SES-6 separation from Briz-M upper stage is planned to be 15,5 hours later that is at 04.49 on Tuesday” , – the expert said.
Satellite was ordered by SES Company who is a worldwide satellite communication operator. SES-6 space device weights about 6 tons; it was constructed by Astrium Company on the basis of Eurostar 3000 platform. SES-6 will replace NSS-806 satellite and provide the US territory with digital broadcasting services.
Contract for SES-6 launch with the help of Proton-M booster was concluded between International Launch Services Inc. (ILS) Russian-American company and SES satellite communication operator with Khrunichev Center being a majority shareholder of ILS company assets at that.
SES-5, the previous telecommunication satellite of SES Company initially called Sirius-5 was successfully launched and set into the orbit from Baikonur with the help of Proton-M booster and Briz-M upper stage in July 2012.
