# Yamal-601

> Russian geostationary communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q28155208](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q28155208)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamal-601)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/yamal-601

## Summary
Yamal-601 is a Russian geostationary communications satellite operated by Gazprom Space Systems and manufactured by Thales Alenia Space. Launched on May 30, 2019, aboard a Proton-M rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome, it has a launch mass of 5,422 kilograms and a design life of 15 years. The satellite was deployed to replace Yamal-202 in providing telecommunications services.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** May 30, 2019 at 17:42:00 UTC
- **Operator:** Gazprom Space Systems (Russia)
- **Manufacturer:** Thales Alenia Space (France)
- **Launch Mass:** 5,422 kilograms
- **Satellite Bus:** Spacebus-4000C4
- **Design Life:** 15 years
- **Orbit:** Geostationary orbit
- **Launch Vehicle:** Proton-M with Briz-M upper stage
- **Launch Site:** Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200
- **COSPAR ID:** 2019-031A
- **NORAD ID:** 44307
- **Replaces:** Yamal-202 (replacement effective July 19, 2019)
- **Part of:** Yamal satellite constellation

## FAQs

### Q: Who built and operates Yamal-601?
A: Yamal-601 was manufactured by Thales Alenia Space, a French-Italian aerospace company, and is operated by Gazprom Space Systems, a Russian satellite communications subsidiary of the Gazprom energy conglomerate.

### Q: What rocket launched Yamal-601?
A: Yamal-601 was launched aboard a Proton-M heavy-lift rocket with a Briz-M upper stage from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200 in Kazakhstan.

### Q: What satellite did Yamal-601 replace?
A: Yamal-601 replaced Yamal-202, assuming its telecommunications duties effective July 19, 2019, approximately seven weeks after launch.

### Q: What powers Yamal-601?
A: Yamal-601 is powered by two solar arrays generating 11 kilowatts each. It also utilizes a S400 thruster and four SPT-100 plasma thrusters for propulsion and station-keeping.

## Why It Matters
Yamal-601 represents a significant component of Russia's commercial satellite telecommunications infrastructure as part of the Yamal constellation operated by Gazprom Space Systems. The satellite demonstrates ongoing international cooperation in aerospace manufacturing, with a Russian operator deploying a French-built satellite platform. The choice of the Spacebus-4000C4 bus and substantial launch mass of over 5.4 tons indicates a high-capacity communications payload designed for demanding service requirements over its 15-year operational lifespan. The satellite's deployment aboard a Proton-M launch vehicle showcases the continued reliance on Russian heavy-lift capabilities for major geostationary payloads. By replacing the aging Yamal-202, Yamal-601 ensures continuity of telecommunications services while likely providing enhanced capacity and capabilities. The 2019 launch also reflects ongoing investment in space-based infrastructure by Russian commercial entities despite broader challenges in the aerospace sector.

## Notable For
- Built on the Spacebus-4000C4 platform, a high-power satellite bus capable of supporting substantial communications payloads
- Features advanced electric propulsion with four SPT-100 plasma thrusters for efficient station-keeping
- Substantial launch mass of 5,422 kilograms, representing a significant payload for the Proton-M launch vehicle
- Part of the Yamal satellite constellation, one of Russia's primary commercial satellite networks
- Successfully deployed in 2019 to replace Yamal-202, ensuring service continuity

## Body

### Overview and Classification
Yamal-601 is classified as both a communications satellite and a geostationary satellite. It operates as part of the Yamal satellite series and is registered as a Russian spacecraft with French manufacturing origins. The satellite carries the NORAD catalog number 44307 and COSPAR identifier 2019-031A.

### Technical Specifications
The satellite is built on the Spacebus-4000C4 spacecraft bus, a platform produced by Thales Alenia Space. Key specifications include:

- **Launch Mass:** 5,422 kilograms
- **Design Life:** 15 years
- **Power System:** Two solar arrays, each rated at 11 kilowatts
- **Propulsion:** One S400 thruster and four SPT-100 plasma thrusters

The satellite is designed to operate in geostationary orbit, maintaining a fixed position relative to Earth's surface for consistent telecommunications coverage.

### Launch Details
Yamal-601 was launched on May 30, 2019, at 17:42:00 UTC from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200. The launch was conducted using a Proton-M launch vehicle (serial 935-69) with a Briz-M upper stage (serial 99564). This configuration represents a standard deployment method for heavy geostationary satellites launched from Baikonur.

### Operational History
Following its May 2019 launch, Yamal-601 entered service to replace Yamal-202. The replacement was recorded as effective July 19, 2019. The satellite is operated by Gazprom Space Systems, the space services subsidiary of the Russian energy company Gazprom.

### Identifiers and Records
- **Wikipedia Title:** Yamal-601
- **Wikidata Description:** Russian geostationary communications satellite
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** /g/11cp5v_c2_
- **Wolfram Language Entity Code:** Entity["Satellite", "44307"]
- **Wikipedia Languages:** German, English, Latvian, Russian

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/yamal-601.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/space/press-release/thales-alenia-space-build-yamal-601-satellite-gazprom-space-systems)
4. [Source](https://www.gazprom-spacesystems.ru/ru/news/9059/)
5. [Source](https://www.satbeams.com/satellites?norad=44307)