Express-AMU3 at 96° East satellite was launched on December 13^th 2021 in a paired launch with Express-AMU7 spacecraft. Both satellites were launched on a Proton M rocket operated by launch operator ILS from the Baikonur launch site in Kazachstan.

The Express-AMU3 satellite is replacing the aging Express-AM33 and will be positioned in the geostationary orbit (GEO) at 96° East, intended for stationary and mobile communication services, digital television and radio broadcasting, data transmission, as well as high-speed Internet access.

The Express-AMU3 and -AMU7 satellites were orbited stepwise. After the launch and the upper stage separation, they took their positions in GEO with the help of the electric propulsion engines. Communication with the satellites was established and satellite operator RSCC’s Mission Control Center took them over for control. The commissioning is expected in March 2022. The operational lifetime of the satellites is 15 years.