The state-owned satellite operator Russian Satellite Communications Company (RSCC) announced it has completed the migration of the Express-AM33 satellite from the orbital position of 96.5 degrees East to the 11 degrees West slot.
To move the Express-AM33 to the required position, the satellite made 120 orbits around the Earth at an altitude of 35,880 km, covering 31.7 million km in the process.
The company announced the transition on Aug. 17 and said the move was made as RSCC looks to target a stronger position in the global maritime market.
The company said this precise work was performed by 41 employees of the RSCC Mission Control Centers located in Moscow, Zheleznogorsk, and Dubna Space Communication Centers, and the Vladimir Satellite Communication Station.
"For four months, specialists provided round-the-clock control of the satellite, updating its trajectory as needed. From August 17, 2021, the Express-AM33 has been ready for operation. Now, in most of the Atlantic Ocean, the crews and passengers of sea-going ships have obtained access to the Internet and communication services, provided even in the most extreme conditions," it explained in a release.
“69 percent of the Earth's surface is controlled by our orbital constellation of 12 geostationary satellites. They are maneuverable enough to swiftly address the problems posed by the market. Should our clients want to get communication services right in the middle of the ocean, such services will be available to them," it said.