[Satellite Today 01-19-09] Gazprom Space Systems selected Thales Alenia Space to deliver two Yamal 400 communication satellites, Gazprom announced Jan. 16.
    The satellites will be built based on the Spacebus 4000 and will have a guaranteed lifetime of 15 years. Launch of the two satellites is scheduled for 2011.
    Gazprom Space Systems has also placed an order with Russian manufacturer ISS Reshetnev to produce the Yamal 300 satellite, based on a new medium sized Express1000 bus. Yamal 300 expected to be launched in 2010.
    Financial details of the two transactions were not disclosed.