# Yamal-401

> Russian communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q4537553](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4537553)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamal-401)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/yamal-401

## Summary  
Yamal-401 is a Russian geostationary communications satellite operated by Gazprom Space Systems. Launched on December 15, 2014, it provides telecommunications services across Russia and neighboring regions. The satellite was built using the Ekspress-2000 bus and features both solar arrays and SPT-100 electric thrusters for power and propulsion.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date**: December 15, 2014 at 00:16 UTC  
- **Operator**: Gazprom Space Systems  
- **Country of Origin**: Russia  
- **Launch Mass**: 2,976 kilograms (launch weight)  
- **Orbit Type**: Geostationary orbit  
- **Service Life**: Designed for 15 years  
- **Manufacturer**: JSC Information Satellite Systems Reshetnev (prime contractor), Thales Alenia Space (payload)  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Proton-M with Briz-M upper stage  
- **Spacecraft Bus**: Ekspress-2000  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2014-082A  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is Yamal-401 used for?  
A: Yamal-401 is a communications satellite used to provide telecommunications services over Russia and nearby regions. It supports broadcasting, data transmission, and secure government communications.

### Q: When was Yamal-401 launched?  
A: Yamal-401 was launched on December 15, 2014, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan using a Proton-M rocket.

### Q: Who operates Yamal-401?  
A: The satellite is operated by Gazprom Space Systems, a subsidiary of the Russian energy company Gazprom.

## Why It Matters  
Yamal-401 plays a critical role in Russia’s national telecommunications infrastructure. As part of the broader Yamal satellite system, it enhances domestic connectivity, supports television and radio broadcasting, and facilitates secure governmental communication networks. Its placement in geostationary orbit allows continuous coverage of fixed geographic areas, making it essential for stable long-term service delivery. Additionally, its use of electric propulsion systems like the SPT-100 marks a shift toward more fuel-efficient satellites in Russian space programs.

## Notable For  
- One of the first Russian communications satellites to combine chemical and electric propulsion (SPT-100 thrusters)  
- Built on the modern Ekspress-2000 platform, known for flexibility and high throughput  
- Features dual solar arrays and advanced payload modules supplied by Thales Alenia Space  
- Operated under the strategic Yamal constellation managed by Gazprom Space Systems  

## Body  
### Overview  
Yamal-401 is a Russian commercial communications satellite developed to serve fixed and mobile users across Russia and adjacent territories. It forms part of the Yamal satellite program, which aims to expand and modernize Russia's telecommunication capabilities.

### Technical Specifications  
- **Mass at Launch**: 2,976 kg  
- **Power System**: Two spacecraft solar arrays  
- **Propulsion**: Four SPT-100 stationary plasma thrusters for stationkeeping and orbital maneuvers  
- **Design Life**: 15 years  
- **Orbital Position**: Geostationary orbit  

### Development and Manufacturing  
The prime contractor for Yamal-401 was JSC Information Satellite Systems Reshetnev, based in Zheleznogorsk, Russia. The satellite’s payload module was manufactured by Thales Alenia Space, a Franco-Italian aerospace company. This collaboration reflects a trend in international subcontracting within the Russian space industry.

### Launch Details  
- **Date**: December 15, 2014  
- **Time**: 00:16 UTC  
- **Location**: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Site 81/24  
- **Vehicle**: Proton-M with Briz-M upper stage  
- **Mission Identifier**: Flight 935-50  

### Operational Role  
Operated by Gazprom Space Systems, Yamal-401 delivers Ku-band and C-band communications services including direct-to-home TV broadcasting, corporate data links, and governmental secure communications. Its position in geostationary orbit ensures uninterrupted service to ground stations throughout its operational lifetime.

### Legacy and Significance  
As part of the Yamal constellation, Yamal-401 contributes to Russia’s efforts to maintain independent control over key segments of its satellite communication network. Its hybrid propulsion system also represents technological advancement in extending mission duration while reducing propellant mass.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/yamal-401-2.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report