Russia Successfully Orbits Express-AMU1 Communications Satellite

A Russian Proton-M carrier rocket together with a Briz-M booster rocket launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan have delivered the Express-AMU1 communications satellite into orbit, a spokesman from Roscosmos said Friday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – The carrier rocket with the satellite was launched earlier on Friday.

"The Russian Express-AMU1 has separated from the booster, thus completely concluding the launch program," the source told RIA Novosti.

The Express-AMU1 communications satellite will provide coverage of the European part of Russia and also ensure service continuity and growth for broadcast markets in Africa. It is equipped with 70 transponders.