OREANDA-NEWS. October 29, 2008. Within next 5 years Russian orbital constellation will get 5 new communication satellites of the Express-AM family. Totally, not less than 15 new communication satellites are intended for orbiting from 2006 to 2015 in the framework of the Federal Space Program.

"Kosmicheskaya Sviaz (Space Communication) company prefers using heavy communication satellites Express-AM located in relevant orbits", stated Ksenyia Drozdova, Kosmicheskaya Sviaz Deputy Director, on Tuesday at the 13-th annual Conference of satellite network users and operators.

According to her, launc of the pair of new satellites - Express-АМ44 and Express-МD1- is planned in winter, 2008-2009. Express- AM4, a complicated spacecraft being in production now, is to be launched in mid 2011. In addition, Express- AM5 and Express- AM6, tender for which has been announced, are planned in the orbital constellation.