The payloads for Express-AM44 and Express-MD1 satellites are being integrated with the platforms  

The Russian Satellite Communications Company (RSCC) received the payloads for Express-AM44 and Express-MD1 satellites from Thales Alenia Space. Express-AM44 payload was delivered to Information Satellite Systems – Reshetnev Company (former NPO PM) for integration with the platform. Khrunichev Space Center works on completion the Express-MD1 satellite.

Express-AM44 and Express-MD1 spacecraft are built within the Russian Federal Space Program for 2006-2015, the launch of the satellites is scheduled for August 2008 from Baikonur Space Center by Proton-M vehicle with increased lifting power. It will be the first combined launch for RSCC.  

The Express-AM44 satellite is manufactured by JSC Information Satellite Systems – Reshetnev Company (Russia) in cooperation with Thales Alenia Space (France) on RSCC’ order. The satellite will carry 10 C-band (40 MHz) transponders, 16 Ku-band (54 MHz) transponders, and 1 L-band (1 MHz) transponder with improved power characteristics. Its in-orbit operational life time is 10 years, the station keeping accuracy is ±0.05 N&S/W&E. The satellite is equipped with steerable antennas.

The Express-MD1 satellite is manufactured by Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center (Russia) in cooperation with Thales Alenia Space (Italy) on RSCC’ order. The satellite will be equipped with 8 C-band (40 MHz) transponders and 1 L-band (0,5 MHz) transponder. Its in-orbit operational life time is 10 years, the station keeping accuracy is ±0.05 N&S/W&E.