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Luch

A second GEO telecommunications system initially hidden within the Kosmos program is the Satellite Data Relay Network (SDRN) which is analogous to the U.S. Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS). Three Luch spacecraft (not to be confused with the Luch transponder system on Gorizont spacecraft) were launched between 1985 and 1989: Kosmos 1700, Kosmos 1897, and Kosmos 2054. Although three locations have been registered with the International Telecommunications Union (16 degrees W, 95 degrees E, and 160 degrees W), only the first two have been employed to date.

Each Luch spacecraft (also referred to as Altair satellites) has a mass of 2.4 metric tons and two extended solar arrays capable of supplying 1.8 kW. Three large antennas and numerous, small helical antennas permit date relays in the 15/14, 15/11, and 0.9/0.7 GHz bands. Terrestrial stations may employ simple 0.8-2 m antennas. The system is especially well suited for space-to-space communications, including the Mir space station and the now cancelled Buran space shuttle. The Luch spacecraft has a design lifetime of 5 years (References 308 and 309).

At the beginning of 1993 the only operational Luch spacecraft was Kosmos 2054, stationed at 16 degrees W. Finally, on 16 December 1994 Luch 1 was launched and later positioned at 95 degrees E. This 2-satellite network is now used primarily in support of the Mir space station program.

308. Two versions of brochures about the Luch spacecraft distributed by Applied Mechanics NPO, undated.

309. C. Lardier, "Satellite-Relais Altair", Air & Cosmos, 25 October 1992, p. 50.

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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