FSUE "Kosmicheskaya Svyaz" and JSC "RESHTENEV" (part of Roscosmos) have signed contracts for the creation of three geostationary communication and broadcasting satellites. The discussion involves the "Express-AT3", "Express-AT4", and "Express-AMU8" devices, which are scheduled to be launched into orbit by the end of 2030.
"Express-AT3" will provide satellite television and radio broadcasting services in the European part of Russia and Siberia. "Express-AT4" will focus on television and radio broadcasting in the European part of the country and neighboring countries. "Express-AMU8" will expand coverage to international markets — Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, as well as provide communication services.
All devices will be placed in geostationary orbit, with an estimated active service life of 15 years. The contracts were concluded as part of the satellite constellation upgrade program.
By 2030, eight out of twelve existing "Express" series devices will need to be replaced due to the exhaustion of their resources. At the end of 2025, the parties already signed contracts for four more satellites, which are to be manufactured by 2029.
Taking into account the new agreements, the enterprise will manufacture at least seven devices for the operator. Separately, work continues on the "Express-AMU4" satellite, which is scheduled to launch in 2028.