Express AM8 occupies orbital position 14.0° W and is operated by Space Communications Corporation (GPKS). The satellite provides television broadcasting, corporate VSAT networks and fixed satellite communications across multiple continents. For dish owners in Ukraine, the 14.0° W position is peripheral but entirely accessible - provided the antenna is correctly selected and precisely pointed.
The satellite operates in two bands - Ku and C. There are 13 active transponders, with a total of 48 channels in the sathub database. The SSL 1300 platform provides a design life of 15 years.
Launch and technical specifications
Express AM8 was launched to geostationary orbit in 2014 by a Proton-M rocket from Baikonur. The manufacturer is Orbital ATK (now Northrop Grumman). The satellite is based on the SSL 1300 platform - a proven commercial heavy-class platform with extensive flight heritage. The satellite is part of the Express AM series, which forms the backbone of GPKS orbital constellation. NORAD ID: 40895.
Coverage areas and reception in Ukraine
The satellite generates several regional beams: Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia, Russia and CIS. For Ukraine, the primary interest is the European Ku-beam. In practice, when setting up a 0.85 m antenna, signal level in the western part of the country is noticeably higher than in the east - the difference can reach 2-3 dB under standard measurement conditions.
| Beam | Coverage | Antenna diameter (Ukraine) |
|---|---|---|
| Ku - Europe | Central and Eastern Europe, Ukraine | 60-90 cm (west), 90 cm (east) |
| C - global | Europe, Africa, Asia, CIS | 90-120 cm across Ukraine |
| Ku - Russia/CIS | Russia, CIS countries | 90-120 cm (eastern Ukraine) |
| Ku - Middle East / Africa | Middle East, Africa | not applicable for Ukraine |
For reliable Ku-band reception in Kyiv, an offset antenna with a diameter of 75-90 cm with a standard Ku-band converter is sufficient. In southern and eastern regions, it is better to choose 90 cm right away - the extra margin will be beneficial during heavy cloud cover. C-band requires a separate approach: an offset or prime-focus antenna from 90 to 120 cm plus a specialized C-band LNB.
Transponders and frequency bands
13 active transponders cover Ku-band (10.7-12.75 GHz) and C-band (3.4-4.2 GHz on reception). Broadcasting is mainly in DVB-S2 standard with QPSK and 8PSK modulation - this ensures efficient use of bandwidth compared to the older DVB-S. Symbol rates vary depending on the package and service type. Current transponder parameters and frequencies are shown in the table on this page.
Television packages and free-to-air channels
Content on Express AM8 is primarily oriented towards Russian-speaking audiences: federal television channels, regional broadcasting, thematic packages. Some channels are broadcast in free-to-air (FTA) mode without conditional access. In total, 48 channels are recorded in the sathub database. In addition to broadcasting, satellite capacity is actively used for corporate VSAT networks and fixed communications services in Africa and the Middle East.
Frequently asked questions
What antenna do I need to receive Express AM8 in Kyiv?
For Ku-band, an offset antenna of 75-90 cm with a standard Ku-band converter is sufficient. For C-band - from 90 to 120 cm with a C-band LNB.
Are there free-to-air (FTA) channels on Express AM8?
Yes, some channels are broadcast unencrypted in DVB-S2 standard. The current list is in the channels table on this page.
How do I point the antenna to position 14.0° W?
For Kyiv, the azimuth is approximately 214-216 degrees, elevation angle is around 27-29 degrees. Exact values are calculated based on the antenna installation location coordinates.
What modulation standards does Express AM8 use?
Primarily DVB-S2 with QPSK and 8PSK modulation. Some older transponders may operate in DVB-S with QPSK. FEC parameters and symbol rate are specified in the transponder table.