Overview

• Operator: RSCC (Russian Satellite Communications Company)
• Manufacturer: ISS Reshetnev (bus) with payload elements from Thales Alenia Space
• Satellite bus: Express-1000HT
• Orbit: Geostationary orbit (GEO) at 80° East (Planned)

Launch

• Launch date: 16 May 2014
• Launch vehicle: Proton-M / Breeze-M
• Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome
• The launch was unsuccessful and the satellite was lost.

Mission & Payload

• Designed to providetelevision broadcasting, broadband data, VSAT networks, and government communications across:
  • Russia
  • Eastern Europe
  • Central Asia
  • Parts of the Asia-Pacific region
• Frequency bands:
  • C-band
  • Ku-band
• Payload optimized for bothfixed satellite services (FSS) and broadcast applications.

Background & Significance

• Express-AM4R was built as a replacement for Express-AM4, which was lost in 2011 due to a Breeze-M upper-stage failure.
• The “R” in the name stands for “Replacement”.

Design Life

• Planned operational lifetime: ~15 years

In summary, Express-AM4R was to replace the lost Express-AM4 satellite. Due to a launch failure with the Proton-M/Breeze rocket, this satellite was lost as well.