OREANDA-NEWS. November 9, 2012. The Loutch-5B and Yamal-300K spacecraft designed and constructed by Academician M.F. Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems were successfully inserted into orbit on November 3, 2012.

The launch of the satellites took place at the Baikonur cosmodrome. All mechanical structures of the spacecraft have deployed. Having completed the attitude determination phase, Loutch-5B and Yamal-300K are now subjected to the in-orbit testing to validate the performance of their major subsystems.

Loutch-5B was developed and manufactured by ISS-Reshetnev for the Russian Space Agency within the frame of the Federal Space Program for years 2006-2015. It is the second satellite of the multifunctional data-relay system Loutch intended to provide real-time communications between ground stations and low-orbiting spacecraft, launching vehicles, their upper stages and the Russian segment of the International Space Station.

Yamal-300K was designed and built by the Reshetnev Company for Gazprom Space Systems under the Federal Space Program for years 2006-2015. The satellite will offer communications, television broadcasting and high-speed Internet access services to users across Russia.