Residents of remote regions of Russia will be able to get new communication opportunities thanks to two Russian telecommunication satellites. "Express-AMU51" and "Express-AMU52" are planned to be launched into geostationary orbit by 2030. The project is being implemented by the state enterprise "Kosmicheskaya Svyaz" (GP KS). The new spacecraft should expand the capabilities of satellite communications in hard-to-reach territories, including Chukotka.
The satellites will receive a multi-band payload, which will allow them to perform several tasks simultaneously. They will provide high-speed internet access, as well as satellite TV broadcasting, including HD channels.
"Express-AMU51" and "Express-AMU52" will become part of the update of the Russian satellite constellation in geostationary orbit. Earlier, GP KS reported that in 2026, the construction of four fully Russian spacecraft should begin: "Express-40", "Express-AMU6", "Express-AMU51" and "Express-AMU52".
All new satellites are planned to be created on a domestic technological base. By 2030, GP KS intends to build seven more Russian spacecraft, gradually updating the existing orbital infrastructure.
Currently, communication in Chukotka is provided by two geostationary satellites - "Express-AM5" and "Express-AMU7". They are used for terrestrial and direct television broadcasting, public access to the Internet, as well as for organizing communication channels for Internet providers and companies operating in the region.
Updating the Russian orbital infrastructure
We have already reported on the large-scale plans to increase the Russian satellite constellation: according to JSC "Reshetnev", 162 spacecraft produced by this enterprise are planned to be launched into orbit by 2030 - including satellites of the "Marathon", "Skif", "Luch" and "Express" series.
In parallel with geostationary spacecraft, Russia is developing the highly elliptical direction: Prime Minister Mishustin announced the launch of four satellites, which should provide broadband internet throughout the country, including the Arctic, with the prospect of forming a low-orbit constellation of about 300 spacecraft.