Russia Builds Its First Fully Domestic Communications Satellite
The new satellite, assembled entirely from Russian components, marks a major step toward building an independent orbital network.
Russia is preparing to launch its first geostationary communications satellite made entirely from domestically produced components. The spacecraft, named Express-AMU4, is expected to be completed by late summer or early fall of 2026, with launch scheduled for December 2026 and commissioning set for March 2027, according to Alexey Volin, director general of the state enterprise Russian Satellite Communications Company.
The technology developed for the project is universal and can also be applied to Earth observation, meteorological, and navigation satellites. Express-AMU4 will be positioned at 11 degrees west longitude, delivering services worldwide—including to Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
The effort involves 30 Russian enterprises responsible for producing 1,100 unique instruments and electronic components. The satellite’s operational life is expected to last at least 15 years, an important factor in ensuring the stability of the orbital communications infrastructure. In January 2029, Russia also plans to launch two additional spacecraft, Express-AMU6 and Express-AMU5.
In parallel, under another project called Rassvet, Russia aims to deploy 292 satellites by 2027 to deliver broadband internet access.
