International Launch Services (ILS) today announced the contract for the ILS Proton launch of two commercial satellites, YAMAL 401 and YAMAL 402, for Russian satellite operator, Gazprom Space Systems. Gazprom is the parent company of Gazprom Space Systems and is the world’s largest producer of natural gas. The launches are scheduled for 2012-2013.
The 3,150 kg YAMAL 401 satellite, to be launched directly into geostationary orbit will be built by Russian spacecraft manufacturer ISS Reshetnev with a Thales Alenia Space payload. The YAMAL 402 satellite will be built by Thales Alenia Space and weigh approximately 5,250 kg. YAMAL 402 will be launched into geostationary transfer orbit to provide fixed communications and transmission services over Russia, CIS, Europe, the Middle East and Africa at the orbital location of 55 degrees East longitude. Both YAMAL 400-series satellites will have an anticipated service life of 15 years
The Proton vehicle is Russia’s premier heavy lift launcher and is built by Khrunichev, the majority owner of ILS and one of the pillars of the Russian space industry. Proton has a long heritage, with over 355 launches performed since its maiden flight in 1965.
Frank McKenna, president of ILS said, “We are pleased that we were able to provide a complete launch solution for Gazprom Space Systems to expand their satellite constellation and their business with these launches on ILS Proton. The entire ILS and Khrunichev team look forward to working with partners Gazprom, Gazprom Space Systems, Thales Alenia Space and ISS Reshetnev on these important missions.”
About ILS and Khrunichev
ILS is a world leader in providing launch services for global satellite operators offering 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 355 missions since 1965. Khrunichev includes among its branches, a number of key manufacturers of launch vehicle and spacecraft components in Moscow and in other cities of the Russian Federation. For more information, visit www.khrunichev.com.
