OREANDA-NEWS. August 7, 2012. Loutch-5B and Yamal-300K satellites, built by Academician M.F. Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems, arrived safely to the Baikonur cosmodrome on July 30, 2012.

The delivery of spacecraft went off according to plan. The satellites were shipped in a special container, large enough to carry two middle-class spacecraft at one time. Sophisticated equipment fitted with a control system that helps monitor the environment inside the container helps avoid any chances of external damage or unwanted environment impact during transportation.

Loutch-5B is the second satellite intended for the multifunctional data-relay space system Loutch which is being deployed to provide data communication links between the ground and the Russian segment of the International space station, low-orbiting spacecraft, launch vehicles and their upper stages. Loutch-5B was built under the Russian Federal space program for years 2006-2015.

The telecommunications satellite Yamal-300K is to offer communications, television broadcasting and high-speed Internet services in the territory of Russia. It was ordered by Gazprom Space Systems.

Both spacecraft were developed and built around modifications of ISS-Reshetnev’s Express-1000 platform. In the nearest time pre-launch preparations will commence at Baikonur. The launch date is scheduled for the beginning of September.