Reston, VA., USA, April 30, 2015– International Launch Services (ILS) and Dauria Aerospace (Dauria), of Moscow, Russia, signed an agreement today to collaborate on opportunities to launch spacecraft utilizing an ILS Proton or Angara launch vehicle beginning in the 2017 timeframe.

The agreement, signed by ILS President, Phil Slack and Dauria CEO, Sergey Ivanov, states that both companies will mutually cooperate on identifying spacecraft that can be dual launched in a stacked configuration—with the lower Dauria spacecraft supporting the upper spacecraft–on an ILS Proton or Angara launch vehicle. With this agreement, ILS would identify spacecraft that could be paired with Dauria’s ATOM spacecraft and together, the companies would assess the technical feasibility. The ATOM spacecraft weigh between 1050-1500 kg and provide satellite TV, telephone and broadband communications.

ILS and Dauria officials will meet on a regular basis to evaluate the commercial environment and any mutually beneficial joint initiatives that would serve the global satellite industry.

Phil Slack said, “This agreement establishes an excellent foundation for our partnership with Dauria for dual launched spacecraft. This is an innovative approach that will benefit satellite operators who want a cost effective solution to launch their smaller spacecraft.”

“This agreement with ILS will allow Dauria satellites to be launched in a timely manner with competitive pricing for the companion spacecraft. This also represents another positive example of U.S.-Russian cooperation in space activities. We look forward to further collaborating with ILS and providing outstanding access to space,” said Sergey Ivanov.

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About ILS and Khrunichev
For over 20 years, ILS has been providing launch services for global satellite operators and offers a complete array of services and support, from contract signing through mission management and on-orbit delivery.  ILS has exclusive rights to market the Proton vehicle to commercial satellite operators worldwide and is a U.S. company headquartered in Reston, VA., near Washington, D.C.  For more information, visit www.ilslaunch.com.

Khrunichev, which holds the majority interest in ILS, is one of the cornerstones of the Russian space industry. Khrunichev manufactures the Proton system and is developing the Angara launch system. The Proton launches from facilities at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, and has a heritage of over 400 missions since 1965. For more information, visit www.khrunichev.com.

About Dauria
Dauria Aerospace is the first Russian private space company founded in 2011 and headquartered in Moscow. Dauria enables revolutionary outcomes for clients and partners using advanced space and terrestrial technologies. The company is focused on a fast growing segment of the satellite manufacturing market—SmallSats—with innovative technology that enables the company to quickly respond to all customers’ evolving needs.

Dauria developed the new generation of small geostationary communication satellites, called ATOM, that creates new space opportunities and solutions using a highly innovative, cost-effective and capable space system. 


Media inquiries: 
Karen Monaghan, Director of Communications and Customer Relations, International Launch Services, Reston, Va.; +1-571-633-7549; mobile: +1-571-282-5195; k.monaghan@ilslaunch.com, Visit the ILS web site at www.ilslaunch.com.