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⌛️ Replacement deadlines for "Ekspress" satellites Under Threat
Alexey Volin, CEO of the Russian Satellite Communications Company (RSCC), announced that the launch of the new "Ekspress AT3" and "Ekspress AT4" spacecraft is scheduled for 2030, with production set to begin in 2026.
The total number of transponders on the Ekspress satellites will be reduced from 359 to 314, and the total capacity will shrink from 44,470 to 31,670 Mbit/s.
Participants in the Russian satellite market fear that the satellite replacement deadlines might be missed.
Key Concerns:
▪️ The operational life of the existing satellites expires by 2030. Market participants doubt that the manufacturer, ISS Reshetnev, will manage to build the spacecraft on time, especially due to the need to replace foreign components.
▪️ A delay threatens the loss of service for millions of subscribers, as using foreign satellites has become too risky due to sanctions.
The Russian Ministry of Digital Development, however, asserts that 115 billion rubles in funding for eight new “Ekspress” satellites will be allocated on time, and subscribers are not at risk.
