Ekspress-AM 6

Spacecraft nº:

Russian spacecraft nº:

Launch data: Designation  40277 / 14064A Launch date  21 Oct 2014 - 15:09 UT Launch site  Baikonur, LC-81/24 Launch vehicle  Proton-M / Briz-M Mission  Russian domestic communication Geostationary orbit: Perigee / Apogee  32824 x 38920 km Eccentricity   Inclination   0.61° Period  1440.45 min

Description:

• EXPRESS AM-6 is a Russian geostationary communications satellite. Built by ISS Reshetnev, a Russian satellite contractor, Express AM6 will use electric thrusters to circularize its orbit over the next few months before reaching an orbital slot 22,300 miles (35,888 km) above the equator at 53 degrees East longitude. The satellite will begin a 15-year mission, serving government and commercial users across Russia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East with digital television and radio broadcasts, high-speed broadband Internet services, and other applications, according to the Russian Satellite Communications Co. RSCC is Russia's state-owned civilian telecom satellite operator.

Mission details:

• The Russian Satellite Communication Company (Kosmicheskiya Svyaz)'s Ekspress AM-6 satellite was launched from Baykonur on Oct 21, 2014. US tracking confirms earlier rumours on the Novosti Kosmonavtiki forum that the final Briz-M burn was incomplete, leaving the satellite in an orbit with a 1373 min period, significantly below the planned orbit, but probably close enough for Ekspress AM-6 to reach its GEO destination using extra xenon propellant from its own electric propulsion system at the cost of operational lifetime.
• Ekspress AM-6 orbit is 1373.2 min, 31307 x 37784 km x 0.7 deg; the Briz-M's auxiliary SOZ thrusters disposed of the stage into a 1512.4 min, 34984 x 39549 km x 1.0 deg orbit.

External links:

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