Russia
Russia Set to Launch Dutch Telecoms Satellite

Russia Set to Launch Dutch Telecoms Satellite
© RIA Novosti. Oleg UrusovMOSCOW, February 14 (RIA Novosti)
Related News
Launch of Proton-M with Dutch Satellite Postponed
Proton-M, Dutch Satellite Taken to Launch Pad
Russia prepares for launch of Proton-M carrier rocket with Dutch satellite
Russia launches communications satellite
Multimedia
A Russian Proton-M launch vehicle carrying the Dutch SES-4 (NSS-14) satellite is scheduled to lift off on Tuesday after a series of delays caused by technical problems, Russia’s Federal Space Agency Roscosmos said.
“The launch from the Baikonur Space Center in Kazakhstan has been set for February 14 at 11:36 p.m. Moscow time [19:36 GMT],” Roscosmos said in a statement on Monday. “The separation of the satellite from the launch vehicle is expected at 08.48 a.m. Moscow time [04.48 GMT] on February 15.”
The launch will be the 70th commercial launch of a Proton carrier rocket since 1995 under contracts concluded by International Launch Services Inc. (ILS).
ILS initially had to postpone the launch planned for December 26, 2011 after a problem affecting the avionics unit of the rocket’s Briz-M upper stage was discovered.
The launch was moved to a later date for the second time on January 28 due to an electrical problem affecting the Proton rocket.
The SES-4 is the largest and most powerful in the group of SES satellites, built by U.S. company Space Systems/Loral for the Dutch operator SES World Skies, which is now a subsidiary of Luxemburg-based SES S.A.
It was designed to provide various satellite services to customers in the Middle East, Europe, Africa and Latin America. Equipped with 52 C-band and 72 Ku-band transponders, the 5.8-ton satellite has a life span of 15 years.
SES-4 will be deployed over the Atlantic Ocean region, enabling the incumbent NSS-7 satellite to move to a new orbital position.

Add to blog
You may place this material on your blog by copying the link.
Publication code:
Preview:

Send by e-mail
Leave a comment
Most read
Top multimedia

Image Galleries: Beluga Whales at Beijing Aquarium

Video: Testing Mine-Resistant Armored SUV

Infographics: How to Make Low-Calorie Cake

Cartoons: Faberge Birthday









