Concerning Express-AM4 SC Launch

On 18 August, a launch took place in Baikonur of Proton M / Breeze M carrying the Express-AM4 spacecraft.

The Proton M launch vehicle performed nominally, and the ascent unit including the Breeze M upper stage booster and the spacecraft separated at the appropriate time.

Four of the five Breeze M burns were also performed within the prescribed timeframes. In the time interval between the fourth and fifth burns there occurred irregularities in telemetry data downlinking and reception of signals from both the Breeze M and the SC.

Specialists are now working to establish contact with the Express-AM4 spacecraft.

The Head of Roscosmos has issued instructions to set up a commission of enquiry to investigate the causes of the off-nominal situation.