RSCC's Express-AM4R Fails to Reach Orbit

Baikonur, Kazakstan, May 16, 2014--The Proton-M carrier rocket launch of RSCC's Express-AM4R satellite from the Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan failed to biring the satellite into geostationary orbit. The rocket carrying the satellite went down nine minutes after launch today.

According to ITA-TASS news agency, the direct financial losses from the failed launch of the Proton-M carrying Express-AM4R totals some 9.7 billion rubles (US$278 million): the satellite cost some 7.2 billion rubles (US$ 207 million), and the rocket launch cost some 2.5 billion (US$71 million).

The 5.7-metric-ton satellite was insured in the Ingosstrakh company for 7.8 billion rubles ($224 million).  This was the fifth Proton-M launch failures since 2010.  All of those launch failures involved Russian satellites.   The Express AM4R satellite, carrying 36 C-band, 28 Ku-band, three L-band and two Ka-band transponders, was intended to replace the Express AM4 satellite that was lost in a Proton failure in mid-2011.

RSCC said another three Express series satellites - AM6, AM7 and AM8 - are due to be launched this year. 

“The loss of the satellite postpones promising plans to upgrade and develop the civil group of communications and broadcasting satellites, but does not affect provision of services today,” the Russian Communications Ministry said in a statement.

The RIA Novosti news agency reported, citing unmaned sources, that a commission will be set up to investigate the causes of the crash and other planned Proton launches will be suspended pending the investigation.

View a video of the Express-AM4R Luanch Failure: