Assembly of a solar array for the new Express-40 communication satellite has begun. Currently, Reshetnev specialists are assembling the frames for the future panels. The huge array will consist of two wings, with five panels in each.
Express-40 is being created for FSUE Kosmicheskaya Svyaz and is intended to provide communication and television broadcasting. The spacecraft itself is being built at the Reshetnev enterprise, which is part of Roscosmos.
The enterprise is assembling the solar panel frame — composite material frames with a string substrate. After this, the finished structures are planned to be sent to an adjacent enterprise, where photo-converting elements will be installed on them.
In total, the array will have 10 panels — two wings of five panels each. The system is needed for the satellite's power supply, where solar cells will convert light into electricity for the operation of its onboard systems.
Express-40 itself is part of a series of four new geostationary communication and broadcasting satellites. In addition to it, Reshetnev, commissioned by GP KS, is creating Express-AMU6, Express-AMU51, and Express-AMU52. Agreements for these spacecraft were concluded in December 2025, and the devices are to be manufactured by the end of 2029.
Express-40 is designed to operate in the orbital position of 40 degrees East longitude. It is intended to replace the current Express-AM7 satellite. The estimated operational life of the new spacecraft in orbit is 15 years.