Posted inCommercial

RSCC Seeking Bids for Direct Broadcast Sats

Satellite fleet operator Russian Satellite Communications Co. (RSCC) will be soliciting bids in the coming weeks for the construction of two high-power telecommunications satellites to provide high-definition and 3-D television broadcasts in Russia, RSCC announced April 23.

The two satellites, called Express-AT1 and Express-AT2, are scheduled for launch in 2012, which would suggest a rapid evaluation and contract-negotiation period. Express-AT1 will replace the Bonum-1 satellite, a Boeing 376 HP model launched in 1998, at 56 degrees east in geostationary orbit. RSCC said at least a quarter of the two satellites’ capacity will be devoted to promoting satellite-television channels in Russia.

RSCC in the past has purchased satellite payloads and platforms from U.S., European and Japanese companies in addition to Russian suppliers.