A successful launch of the Zenit-3SLBF booster under Land Launch program was conducted on December 26, 2017 at 9 pm Kiev time from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The launch vehicle carried the 1685-kg AngoSat-1 communications satellite into geostationary orbit.

The Zenit-3SLBF launch vehicle is designed by Yuzhnoye State Design Office. The first two stages are designed by Yuzhnoye and made by Yuzhmash plant, and the Fregat-SB boost stage is designed and manufactured by Lavochkin NPO.

As part of the international team, Yuzhnoye and Yuzhmash specialists supported the prelaunch processing and launch by completing a full cycle of ground support equipment and flight hardware preparation.

Deployed in geostationary orbit at 13 degrees east, the AngoSat-1 communications satellite will deliver TV broadcasting and communications services in C and Ku bands to the African continent.

The AngoSat-1 guaranteed life span in orbit is 15 years.

Yuzhnoye SDO Public Relations Centre