OREANDA-NEWS. The telecommunications satellite Yamal-401, designed and built by ISS-Reshetnev Company, has started experimental performance.

ISS-Reshetnev's technical team has completed flight testing of Yamal-401. Based on the results of in-orbit tests, it was decided to hand over control of the satellite to its customer and begin service in a test mode.

The Yamal-401 satellite will be fully handed over to the operator later this spring when it experiences the long eclipse period (when the satellite is blocked from the Sun). ISS-Reshetnev team will provide technical support to the customer during the period of the satellite's test performance.

Stationed at 90 degrees East longitude, Yamal-401 provides high-quality communications, broadcasting and data transmission services to users in Russia and neighboring countries.

The satellite is based on ISS-Reshetnev's heavy-class Express-2000A platform. Yamal-401 was built for the satellite operator Gazprom Space Systems. It is equipped with six antennas and 53 transponders operating in C- and Ku-bands, and is designed to carry its mission in orbit for at least 15 years.