Launch Failure
Liftoff Time (GMT)
21:41:59
Thursday May 15, 2014
Although the first two stages functioned correctly, an anomaly appeared during the third stage burn. The flight is a failure.
The Russian Satellite Communications Company (RSCC) has selected a team of Khrunichev Space Center and Astrium to build the Ekspress-AM 4 communications satellite. RSCC is focused primarily on the development of satellite communications and the broadcasting network in the Russian Federation to secure the common information space across the country. RSCC currently operates 11 satellites from 14°W to 145°E in geostationary orbit, and is currently looking for high power satellites to complement the existing fleet and fulfil growing needs for satellite capacity. Express AM4 will use Astrium's Eurostar-3000 satellite design. The satellite will be delivered in orbit by Khrunichev Space Center using the Proton launch vehicle. It will be equipped with a 63 active transponders operating in L, C, Ku and Ka bands at a payload power of 14 kW for its planned 15-year service life in orbit. Its ten antennas will provide high performance coverage over the Russian Federation and the CIS countries and its steerable antennas can be used to provide communication to any point within the satellite's visibility.
Geostationary Transfer Orbit
1 Payload
5,775 kilograms
Manufacturer
KhrunichevPrice
$65.00 million
Rocket
Height: 58.18m
Payload to Orbit
LEO: 21,000 kg
GTO: 6,900 kg
Liftoff Thrust
10,027 Kilonewtons
Fairing
Diameter: 4.35m
Height: 15.26m
Stages
4
83rd
Mission
4th
Mission of 2014
26th
Orbital launch attempt