# Ekspress MD1

> Russian communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q2681017](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2681017)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ekspress-MD1)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ekspress-md1

## Summary
Ekspress MD1 is a Russian communications satellite launched on February 11, 2009, to provide telecommunications services from geostationary orbit. Operated by the Russian Satellite Communications Company, it was built by Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center and Thales Alenia Space.

## Key Facts
- Ekspress MD1 has a mass of 1140 kilograms
- It was launched on February 11, 2009, from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200
- The satellite uses a Proton-M launch vehicle with a Briz-M space tug
- Its COSPAR identifier is 2009-007B
- Ekspress MD1 is positioned in geostationary orbit
- The satellite is operated by the Russian Satellite Communications Company
- It uses the Yakhta spacecraft bus
- Alternative names include Ekspress-MD 1 and Express-MD 1

## FAQs
### Q: What company operates Ekspress MD1?
A: Ekspress MD1 is operated by the Russian Satellite Communications Company, which is the main satellite communications operator in Russia.

### Q: When and where was Ekspress MD1 launched?
A: Ekspress MD1 was launched on February 11, 2009, from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200 using a Proton-M launch vehicle equipped with a Briz-M space tug.

### Q: Who manufactured Ekspress MD1?
A: The satellite was manufactured by two companies: Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center built the spacecraft bus (Yakhta), while Thales Alenia Space manufactured the payload.

### Q: What is Ekspress MD1 used for?
A: Ekspress MD1 is a communications satellite designed to provide telecommunications services from its position in geostationary orbit.

## Why It Matters
Ekspress MD1 represents an important component of Russia's telecommunications infrastructure, enabling broadcast communications and data transmission across large geographic areas. As part of the Ekspress satellite family, it supports the Russian government's strategic goals for space-based communications independence. The satellite's design and construction involved both Russian and European expertise, highlighting international collaboration in the space industry. It continues to play a crucial role in connecting remote regions within Russia and its sphere of influence, demonstrating the ongoing importance of dedicated communication satellites in an increasingly connected world.

## Notable For
- Being part of the Ekspress series of communications satellites, which form Russia's primary domestic satellite communications system
- Utilizing a hybrid construction approach with both Russian (Khrunichev) and European (Thales Alenia Space) manufacturers
- Launched during a period when Russia was modernizing its satellite communications network
- Its Yakhta spacecraft bus represents a specific Russian satellite platform design
- Having multiple naming conventions including Ekspress MD1, Ekspress-MD 1, and Express-MD 1

## Body
### Basic Information
Ekspress MD1 is a Russian communications satellite that operates in geostationary orbit. The satellite has a mass of 1140 kilograms and was assigned the COSPAR identifier 2009-007B following its launch on February 11, 2009.

### Manufacturing and Design
The satellite features a hybrid construction approach. The spacecraft bus was built by Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center using the Yakhta platform, while the payload was manufactured by Thales Alenia Space. This international collaboration combined Russian satellite bus technology with European communications equipment expertise.

### Launch and Deployment
Ekspress MD1 was launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200 using a Proton-M heavy lift launch vehicle. The satellite was deployed with the assistance of a Briz-M space tug, which helped position it into its intended geostationary orbit. The launch vehicle belongs to the Proton family, a long-established Soviet/Russian launch vehicle system.

### Operation
The satellite is operated by the Russian Satellite Communications Company (RSCC), Russia's main satellite communications operator. It serves as part of the Ekspress series, which forms Russia's domestic satellite communications network, providing telecommunications services across the country and surrounding regions.

### Documentation and Recognition
The satellite has been documented in multiple languages on Wikipedia (German, English, Latvian, Portuguese, Russian), reflecting its international significance. It has been assigned the Wolfram Language entity code "Entity["Satellite", "33596"]" and has a Google Knowledge Graph identifier.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report