OREANDA-NEWS. August 27, 2012. The payload module structure of the telecommunications spacecraft Express-AT1, manufactured by the Reshetnev Company, was sent to Thales Alenia Space France to accommodate payload instruments.

The payload structure was sent to TAS together with a subsystem module simulator. Upon completion of incoming inspection, French specialists will commence repeater installation. This service module simulator was developed by ISS-Reshetnev with the aim of conducting thermal-vacuum tests of the communications payload at TAS facilities in France.

Express-AT1 is to carry 32 active and 8 redundant Ku-band transponders. The payload capacity will be around 360 kilograms, whereas the satellite itself will weight less than 1800 kilograms.

The payload module is expected to be delivered back to the Reshetnev Company in March 2013 to undergo integration with the satellite subsystem module. Then the assembled satellite will be subjected to the whole set of tests.

The telecommunications spacecraft Express-AT1, based on the Express-1000HTB platform, is being built for Russian Satellite Communication Company. Having a life span of 15 years, it will provide modern communications, television broadcasting and data transmission services in the territory of eastern and western Russia. Express-AT1 satellite is due to be launched in tandem with another spacecraft of the series – Express-AT2 in late 2013.