Gazprom moves ahead with satellite launch plan

Russian satellite operator Gazprom Space Systems envisages launching its next two new satellites – Yamal-401 and Yamal-601, in 2013 and 2015 respectively, according to local reports.

Gazprom Space Systems general designed Nikolai Sevastyanov told the Interfax-AVN news service that the current plan called for the launch of Yamal-401 this year, with the launch of Yamal-601 to follow in 2015. The two satellites will replace Yamal-201 and Yamal-202 respectively, with both satellites due to reach their expected end of life in 2015. The company launched two satellites – Yamal-300K and Yamal-402 – last year.