Advanced Television

Russian satellite rescued

December 13, 2012

By Chris Forrester

A Russian satellite, owned by Gazprom, that was launched to a lower-than-intended orbit has been moved to its correct orbit, according to local space officials. However, the manoeuvre will have impacted the satellite’s in-orbit life.

The Thales-Alenia manufactured Yamal-402 satellite was launched on December 9th but a problem with the Proton/Briz-M rocket meant the booster rocket stage completed its firing too early, and the satellite was not placed into its correct orbit.

Gazprom’s space subsidiary, Gazprom Space Systems, ordered the satellite to offer broadcasting to customers in Russia, Western and Central Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.

Categories: Articles, DTH/Satellite