August 16, 2018 – ISS-Reshetnev Company has won a contract to build two new telecommunications satellites Express-AMU3 and Express-AMU7. Contracts for the manufacture of Express-AMU3 and Express-AMU7 have already come into effect. The new satellites are intended to augment Russia’s national orbital constellation of communications and broadcasting satellites. The contracts signed by ISS-Reshetnev Company, RSCC – the Russian satellite services provider and the European manufacturer Thales Alenia Space Italia provide for the design, manufacture, testing and in-orbit commissioning of Express-AMU3 and Express-AMU7 satellites and the manufacture of payloads for them. Express-AMU3 and Express-AMU7 satellites will provide advanced communications, television and radio broadcasting services for millions of users in Russia and other countries. These satellites will be based on ISS-Reshetnev’s middle-class Express-1000 platforms with payloads operating in Ku-, L- and C-bands – the telecommunications equipment is to be delivered by the Italian division of Thales Alenia Space. Express-AMU3 and Express-AMU7 are due to launch in 2020 to their orbital positions located at 96.5 and 145 degrees East respectively.