Khrunichev Press release

SES’s Astra 2G spacecraft delivered to Baikonur for ILS Proton Launch

10/29/2014

The telecommunications satellite Astra 2G, manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space (a division of the European Group Airbus Group) commissioned by the satellite operator SES of Luxembourg, was delivered from Toulouse, France to the Baikonur Cosmodrome in preparation for launch.The Antonov cargo jet with the spacecraft and ground support equipment (IEE) landed at the Yublieiny airfied this morning.

The six ton geostationary satellite Astra 2G will be placed into orbit by the Proton Breeze M launch vehicle for launch towards the end of November. This will be the 400th launch of the Proton rocket since its maiden flight in 1965.

A few hours later, after the customs inspection and unloading at the destination airport, the container with the spacecraft and IEE were loaded on the railcar for transport to the assembly and testing facility in area 92A-50 at the launch site.  The tests that will be conducted include a series of electrical and functional inspections, and refueling of unit propellants.

International Launch Services (ILS) holds the exclusive rights to market the Proton rocket for commercial operators worldwide. Khrunichev manufactures the Proton rocket and is the majority owner of ILS.