Russian Satellite Communications Co. (RSCC) will place the Express AM-11 communications satellite, damaged in a collision with space junk, into a disposal orbit, the company announced March 30.

Express AM-11, located at 96.5 degrees East, suffered an impact with space garbage that led to depressurization of the thermal control system fluid circuit and a loss of the heat-carrying agent, according to preliminary findings from spacecraft manufacturer NPO PM. The impact and venting of the heat-carrying agent sent the satellite spinning out of control.

Express AM-11, which began operations in June 2004, will be moved to a disposal orbit before total control of the spacecraft is lost in order to prevent the possibility of losing use of the orbital slot, RSCC said.

RSCC has restored all Russian and commercial TV and radio broadcasting carried by Express AM-11, transferring the traffic to Express-A2, Express-AM2 and Express-AM3.