Russian Satellite Communications Company is planning to put two new satellites into orbit, which would enable the development of the at-home market for high-definition and 3-D television in Russia.
RSCC has signed an agreement for the construction of two of the first Russian direct broadcasting satellites — from the company’s Ekspress-AT model of broadcast satellites — which allow television to be received on home satellite dishes.
With the help of these satellites, RSCC, a federal unitary enterprise, is planning to bring new satellite TV operators to the Russian market.
RSCC signed contracts for making Ekspress-AT1 and AT2 broadcast satellites, as well as Ekspress AM8 satellite networks, with Thales Alenia Space and Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems, representatives of the companies said.
French company Thales Alenia Space works with satellite payloads, and Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems builds satellites.
The AT-series satellites are scheduled to be launched at the end of 2012 and the AM8 series in 2013. RSCC is using $200 million of borrowed funds to pay for the development.
The satellites would fill in the gap in broadcasting capacity, which currently is limiting the introduction of new channels and making it almost impossible to develop satellite HD and 3-D television in Russia, an RSCC spokesperson said.
Ekspress-AT1 and AT2 also would allow new satellite television operators to enter the market.
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