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SovCanStar

One of the early Russian-Western satellite programs was SovCanStar, a joint venture between the Applied Mechanics NPO and a Canadian association of Com Dev Ltd., Canadian Satellite Communications, Inc., and General Discovery in 1990. Under the agreement the Russian side was to provide the spacecraft bus and the launch service (Proton), while the Canadians supplied the communications payload. The 2,600-kg SovCanStar spacecraft was designed to carry 24 Ku-band transponders (75W output power) with four spares. The first two spacecraft were slated for 145 degrees E and 14 degrees W, and three additional locations to be determined later. The spacecraft bus bears a strong resemblance to that of Gelikon which was being designed about the same time. The design life of SovCanStar is 10 years with a first launch now expected about 1998. A preliminary plan to start the SovCanStar system quickly with Gorizont spacecraft was abandoned after the designated Gorizont vehicle was lost in the Proton accident of 27 May 1993 (References 333-343).

333. Y. Gornostayev, op. cit., Vol. I, pp. 52-58.

334. D. Hughes, "Soviet-Canadian Joint Venture to Design, Launch Satellites", Aviation Week and Space Technology, 12 November 1990, p. 77-78.

335. B. Knapp, "Com Dev Buys Into Soviet Satellite Venture", Space News,, 14-20 October 1991, p. 10.

336. Radio Canada International, 19 June 1992.

337. "Russians, Sov Can Star Formalize Joint Venture", Space News, 6-19 July 1992, p. 14.

338. SovCanStar media release, 24 February 1993.

339. "Russian Satcom", Aviation Week and Space Technology, 1 March 1993, p. 23.

340. P.B. de Selding, "SovCan Star Set Back by May Proton Launch Failure", Space News, 28 June - 11 July 1993, pp. 4, 21.

341. "Spar Putting Finishing Touches on SovCanStar Sat Design", Space FAX Daily, 30 June 1993, p.1.

342. ITAR-TASS News Agency, 23 November 1993.

343. P.B. de Selding, "Lack of Funds Delays SovCan Star Launch", Space News, 13-19 February 1995, pp. 3, 21.

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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