On July 30, in Tel Aviv, a contract was signed between the JSC “Academician M.F. Reshetnev” Information Satellite Systems” and Israeli-based Space Communication Ltd. The deal finds the former set to build the geostationary satellite system AMOS-5, based on the Express-1000H platform. The contract covers the development and launch into orbit of the satellite AMOS-5, the establishment of the ground control segment, and personnel training and maintenance services. The subcontractor on the transponder and antennas is Thales Alenia Space. It is hoped the project will be completed by the close of 2010. The JSC “Academician M.F. Reshetnev” Information Satellite Systems” (previously FSUE “NPO PM”) was established in 1959. Since that time, more than 40 space systems and different application have been designed. More than 1160 spacecraft were manufactured at the JSC “ISS” facilities for operation in all types of orbits. At present, two thirds of the Russian orbital constellation consists of satellites manufactured by Reshetnev Company.

Additional news from the Company finds that the Glonass-M navigation satellite has been shipped to the Baikonur Cosmodrome for pre-launch procedures. The navsat will be occupying the orbital slot comprising Block #38, with two additional Glonass-M satellites that will complete the block to be delivered to Baikonur by the close of August.