Yamal-402 satellite reaches geostationary orbit - Gazprom Space Systems

Thales Alenia Space (Cannes, France), the manufacturer of the Yamal-402 satellite for Gazprom Space Systems, has carried out the fourth and the final maneuver to place the satellite into a planned geostationary orbit, Gazprom Space Systems told Interfax-AVN on Saturday.

"Thales Alenia Space, the Yamal-402's manufacturer, successfully carried out the fourth and the final maneuver this morning. It was the shortest one, and it lasted about 20 minutes," it said.

Thales Alenia Space earlier devised a plan for transferring the satellite from a geostationary transfer orbit to the planned geostationary orbit by firing the satellite's apogee kick motor four times instead of the previously planned three firings.

The orbit placement sequence had to be adjusted after the Briz-M upper stage manufactured by the Khrunichev Space Center failed to place the satellite into the planned orbit. During the fourth firing, its sustainer engine stopped 4 minutes earlier than was planned.

"Hence, the Yamal-402 satellite has reached a geostationary orbit. After that, the satellite's solar panels and the aerial dish should be fully deployed," a Gazprom Space Systems spokesperson said.

All rights reserved by Rossiyskaya Gazeta.