OREANDA-NEWS. the telecommunications spacecraft Express-AM5, developed and built by ISS-Reshetnev Company, has arrived safely at the Baikonur cosmodrome in preparation for launch.

Having left ISS-Reshetnev's facilities in Zheleznogorsk, the satellite had a smooth trip to its launch site - everything went off according to plan. This large-sized spacecraft was shipped in a dedicated climate-controlled (cleanliness, temperature, humidity) container which ensured proper conditions for highly sensitive and sophisticated payload instruments.

ISS-Reshetnev's team jointly with Baikonur technicians will soon commence preparing the Express-AM5 spacecraft for launch which is due to take place on December 26, 2013.

Express-AM5 is the first satellite built around ISS-Reshetnev's heavy-class Express-2000 platform. Manufactured under a contract with the national operator RSCC (Russian Satellite Communications Company), the spacecraft is intended to provide digital television and radio broadcasting services across Russia, mobile presidential and government communications, multimedia services (telephony, videoconferencing, data transmission, Internet access) as well as solutions based on VSAT network technologies.