December 29, 2003. Baikonur Cosmodrome. Upper Stage DM (11C861-01), launched from low earth orbit
generated by Proton-K Launch Vehicle (LV), has put into
target geosynchronous orbit the Russian Communication satellite
Express-AM22 with 24 active channels being part of onboard
radio transmission complex.
S.P. Korolev RSC Energia is the prime development contractor
and manufacturer of Upper Stage (US). At 2:00 Moscow Time
Payload Module as part of US and the communication satellite
were launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome.
Upon separation of the Payload Module from the LV Final
Stage which took place at 2:10 Moscow Time, two consecutive
firings of the US main engines had been implemented without
a hitch under the Mission Program.
At 8:37 Moscow Time the satellite separation from US occurred.
This flight is the 242nd successful flight of US of D and
DM types. During the earlier flight implemented on November
24, 2003, the similar US had delivered into geosynchronous
orbit by a single launch two advanced telecommunication
satellites Yamal-200 having a total of 33 active channels
and manufactured at S.P. Korolev RSC Energia under the order
of OAO Gazkom and based upon the universal space platform
satisfying the world’s highest demands.
In order to support the launch and monitor Upper Stage throughout
its flight, RSC Energia’s specialists were involved.
By this launch the Corporation has successfully accomplished
the 2003 Launch Program with a total of 11 launches. In
so doing, 13 spacecraft designed for various purposes have
been delivered into near-earth orbits, including five space
vehicles under the International Space Station Program.
The team from S.P. Korolev RSC Energia expresses its gratitude
to the participants of this Launch Program and wishes all
of them great success, further development of the activities,
good health, happieness and well-being in the coming New
Year.
