Russian satellite operator RSCC has launched a broker tender for both the in-orbit insurance of its existing fleet and the launch-plus-one insurance for its Express-MD2 satellite.
Under the open tenders, bids are due by 27 October with the review…
Russian satellite operator RSCC has launched a broker tender for both the in-orbit insurance of its existing fleet and the launch-plus-one insurance for its Express-MD2 satellite.
Under the open tenders, bids are due by 27 October with the review process beginning 31 October. The results are then set to be announced on 1 November.
The in-orbit renewal package will cover RSCC’s Express-AM1, Express-AM2, Express-AM3, Express-AM22, Express-AM33, Express-AM44 and Express-MD1 satellites.
Express-MD2 is being constructed by Krunichev and Thales Alenia Space and will contain 8 C-band and 3 L-band transponders to provide broadcasting and communications services across Russia and the CIS countries, as well as mobile presidential and governmental communications. The spacecraft is due to be launched by a Proton rocket at the beginning of 2012 and will be located at 145E.
RSCC recently made a total loss claim for its Express-AM4 satellite, which failed to enter geosynchronous orbit after it was launched on a Proton-M rocket by Khrunichev on 17 August.
RSCC has filed an application with the Russian insurance company Ingosstrakh for the insurance indemnity of approximately Rb7.5bn (US$241m), although SatelliteFinance understands that the claim to the international reinsurance market was closer to US$300m.
RSCC is seeking to replace the satellite as quickly as possible and at a communications conference in Moscow, Space Communications Deputy General Director Yevgeny Buidinov told the audience that the company aimed to launch the replacement satellite, Express-AM4r, by 2015.
