From Khrunichev Press Release

BAIKONUR COSMODROME, Kazakhstan, Jan. 28, 2008 – A Proton M/Breeze M vehicle successfully launched the Russian Express-AM33 satellite today.

Liftoff was at 3:18 a.m. Moscow time, and at 12:19 p.m. Moscow time the spacecraft separated from the booster unit into geosynchronous orbit. RSCC is controlling the spacecraft, which will be maneuvered into its operating position of 96.5 degrees east longitude.

The Express-AM33 was designed and manufactured by Reshetnev Research and Production Association (NPO Reshetneva) in conjunction with Thales Alenia Space of France. It will provide digital broadcasting services, Internet access, data transmission and other services in X-, Ku- and L-bands in Russia as well as in the Asia-Pacific region.

The three-stage heavy-lift Proton M booster and the Breeze M upper stage are designed and manufactured by Khrunichev Space Center. The Proton vehicle is the main launcher for the Russian space program and is also used for launching commercial satellites through Khrunichev's partnership with International Launch Services of the United States. This was the 332nd launch of a Proton vehicle since the first Proton mission on July 16, 1965.