The modernized Luch space relay system will unite four satellites. This, as reported by the network publication "RIA Novosti", said the general director of the company "Satellite system" Gonets "Dmitry Bakanov.
The Luch system is designed to provide communication with manned and automatic low-orbit spacecraft moving outside radio visibility zones from the territory of Russia, including with the Russian segment of the ISS.
In addition, Luch provides relay channels for transmitting earth remote sensing data, meteorological information, GLONASS differential correction, organizing video conferences, teleconferences and Internet access.
Now the orbital constellation of the system consists of three geostationary spacecraft: these are the Luch-5A, Luch-5B and Luch-5V satellites, launched into orbit in 2011, 2012 and 2014, respectively. The ground infrastructure is located on the territory of Russia. The operator is the Satellite System Gonets.
“The orbital constellation of the upgraded Luch system will include four satellite relays located in geostationary orbit,” Mr. Bakanov said.
According to him, the modernization of the platform will be carried out in two stages. First, it is planned to put into orbit two Luch-5VM spacecraft with an additional load for special consumers. At the second stage, two Luch-5M satellites will be launched. The launch of the vehicles is planned to be carried out using Angara rockets from the Vostochny cosmodrome.
Source: 3dnews.ru