The two communication satellites were commissioned by Russian Satellite Communications Company. They were tandem launched on July, 31 2020 from Baikonur Cosmodrome.
Operating in the geostationary orbit (80° East and 96.5° East respectively), EXPRESS-80 and EXPRESS-103 provide high rate internet access, data relay services, digital TV and radio broadcasting, fixed and mobile communication, as well as government and presidential communication. The two satellites operate in С-, Ku-frequency bands.
EXPRESS-80 and EXPRESS-103 are built upon RESHETNEV’s proprietary standard platform EXPRESS-1000. They were the first medium scale satellites with scheduled orbit raising using built-in thrusters. This allowed to overcome the carrier rocket and upper stage power constraints and inject two satellites into orbit in one go.
Both spacecraft feature 6’300 W electric power subsystems which ensure enough power for a successful 15 years mission guaranteed by design.
