The Russian Satellite Communication Co. has scheduled the launch of the Russian Express-AM2 communications satellite for March 30. The satellite will be launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on a Proton-K launch vehicle. The satellite will ultimately reside at 80 degrees East.

Express-AM2 is the fourth of five new-generation Express-AM satellite to be produced and launched by the end of 2005. The Russian NPO PM, in cooperation with Alcatel Space, developed the satellite. Express-AM2 carries 16 C-band transponders, 12 Ku-band transponders and one L-band transponder and will provide coverage across Russia, the western and eastern parts of China, Korea, Northern India, Bangladesh, Butan, Nepal and the northern part of Indochina.