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Coupon

As noted above, the Lavochkin NPO proposed in 1990 the creation of a LEO store/dump communications network called Bankir. However, 1992 documents from Lavochkin NPO indicated the Bankir name was now used in reference to a geostationary communications system comprised of Coupon satellites of the Globostar Satellite Communications System. The Bankir network began operations in 1993 via the existing Potok system of Geyser spacecraft. By 1997 a constellation of four Coupon spacecraft is envisioned at locations above the eastern Atlantic (9.5 degrees W) and the eastern and western Indian Ocean (55 degrees E, 86.5 degrees E, and 91.75 degrees E).

Each 2.5-metric-ton Coupon will employ sophisticated phased-array antennas for transmission footprints tailored to user specifications. The basic spacecraft will carry 16 Ku-band transponders. The Coupon spacecraft bus is derived from the newest generation missile detection satellites. The Bankir network is being organized by the newly established Russian firm of Global Information Systems, Inc. The Elas NPO will provide the transponders and the ground stations (References 288, 323, 348-355).

288. Moskovskiye Novosti, 15 November 1992, p. 6.

323. Novosti Kosmonavtiki, 4-17 June 1995, p. 27.

348. Fact Sheets for Global Information Systems, Inc., and Globostar by GIS, Inc., 1992. 349. R. Riccitiello, "Russian Bank Funds New Communications Spacecraft", Space News, 12-18 April 1993, p. 18, and "Another Satellite Venture Aims for Asian Market", Space News, 14-20 December 1992, p. 18.

350. Various technical documents on the Coupon spacecraft distributed by Globostar and the Lavochkin NPO, undated.

351. P. Langereux, "Nouveaux Satellites Pour Banquiers Et Hommes D'Affaires En Russie Et Cei", Air &Cosmos, 31 May - 6 June 1993, pp. 38-40.

352. "Russians Adapt Military Technology For Comsats", Aviation Week and Space Technology, 30 August 1993, pp. 58-59.

353. "Russian Company Proposes Satellite Banking System", Space News, 16-22 May 1994, p. 13.

354. G. Lomanov, Literaturnaya Gazeta, 21 September 1994, p. 10.

355. Y. Gornostayev, op. cit., Vol. II, pp. 183-189.

Sources and Resources

• Adapted from: Europe and Asia in Space 1993-1994, Nicholas Johnson and David Rodvold [Kaman Sciences / Air Force Phillips Laboratory]

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