Gazprom’s Yamal-402 satellite has 46 transponders or 66 equivalent 36 MHz transponders, twelve and sixteen standard Ku-band 72 MHz and 54 MHz transponders respectively and eighteen planned Ku-band 36 MHz transponders installed. The satellite antennas form 4 fixed beams: Russia & CIS, Europe and Africa and one steerable beam.

The planned frequency bands (18 36MHz transponders) are used in Russian beam, which exactly contours the Russian borders. There are additional four 54MHz transponders with standard frequency bands operating in Russian beam.

From nine to twelve 72MHz transponders are operating in wider Northern beam which covers the visible part of Russia, CIS countries, almost all Europe and part of Middle East. Four 54MHz transponders are operating in European beam, which covers East and Central Europe, Middle East and Northern Africa. Eight 54MHz transponders are operating in wide Southern beam, which covers the territory of Africa to the south of Sahara.

Up to three 72MHz transponders can operate in the beam formed by the antenna, which can be steered with the commands from the earth while the satellite is in service. There is a possibility of interbeam connection of Southern beam with Russian and European.

Yamal-402, constructed by Thales Alenia Space, is located at 55° East and is a large-sized satellite with a payload power of more than 10 kW. The satellite was launched on a Proton M rocket operated by launch operator ILS on December 8th, 2012.