On March 25, 2021, the Express-103 spacecraft was placed into operation, joining the Russian Satellite Communications Company (RSCC) orbital constellation of at 96.5 ° E.
All on-orbit flight tests of the service systems module and the payload of Express-103 satellite were successfully completed.
The new communication satellite is designed to provide digital TV and radio broadcasting, high-speed internet access and data transmission as well as maritime VSAT and in-flight connectivity (IFC) services in Russia and abroad. RSCC is now able to provide services to clients in 58 countries on all continents.
Express-103 spacecraft was launched into GEO from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on July 31, 2020. The satellite was manufactured by the leading Russian enterprise in the rocket and space industry – JSC ISS Reshetnev Company – in collaboration with its European partner, Thales Alenia Space. The Express-103 service life is 15 years.
“Express-103 satellite will replace Express-AM33 spacecraft in the 96.5 E slot, providing satellite communications services in the eastern regions of Russia and in Southeastern Asia. As a result, the launch of Express-103 satellite is seen as a significant potential enhancement in the quality and reliability of the services. Importantly, Express-103 satellite will ensure an almost total coverage of the Northern Sea Route,” said Yuri Prokhorov, RSCC Acting General Director.
Russian Satellite Communication Company (RSCC) is the Russian GEO satellite operator with global coverage capabilities. RSCC provides a full range of communications and broadcasting services via its own terrestrial telecom facilities and satellite constellation, which consist of modern Express, Express-AM, Express-AT, Express-AMU type satellites; e.g., video distribution and contribution, DTH, DSNG, broadband Internet access, IP trunking and cellular backhaul, maritime mobility, SCADA, enterprise networks connectivity and other. The company operates various regional satellite TV distribution networks and corporate VSAT networks for fixed and mobility customers. RSCC satellites provide unique coverage and connectivity throughout EMEA, Latin America and Asia.