OREANDA-NEWS. March 18, 2013. A Proton M launch vehicle is currently being processed at Baikonur to loft SatMex 8, a Mexican communications satellite, later in March.
 
At this time standalone tests are nearing completion of the spacecraft, upper stage booster and launch vehicle at the 92-А50 integration facility. The spacecraft fueling with propellant components has ended, with the oxidizer loaded on March 10th, and fuel on March 11th.
 
In line with ground operations planning, integration is scheduled to start in a few days of the spacecraft and Breeze M upper stage booster to make up the ascent unit of the integrated launch vehicle.
 
The contract for a Proton launch to loft SSL-manufactured SatMex 8 telecommunications satellite for Satmex Satellites Mexicanos S.A. de C.V. was awarded to International Launch Services, the RF-US company. The controlling interest in ILS belongs to Khrunichev, the designer and builder of both Proton M and Breeze M.
 
The spacecraft mass is approx. 5.600kg.  The satellite is to be located at 116.8 degrees West, and it will be providing broadband communications and TV services in the Ku- and С-Bands over North America and the Caribbean, all of Latin America and the major cities of Brazil.