Powerful communications satellite launched for Russia

A powerful European-built satellite to bolster Russia's communications infrastructure launched Wednesday on top of a Proton rocket, starting a nine-hour journey toward a 22,000-mile-high perch above Earth. The Express AM4 spacecraft, built by EADS Astrium, will provide communications coverage over Russia and neighboring countries for the next 15 years. The satellite will be operated by the Russian Satellite Communications Co., the country's state civil satellite operator. More

(Source: Space Flight Now - Aug 18)