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Globsat

The Salyut Design Bureau chose perhaps the least ambitious of all Russian LEO communications systems. Its Globsat constellation would consist of only 3-6 spacecraft at an altitude of 1,000 km and an inclination of 65 degrees. These 150-kg spacecraft would be launched in groups of three with Salyut's Rokot booster. Unlike other systems, Globsat is designed for real-time communications during limited contact periods, e.g., 10 minutes for users within a 300 km region. Links would be via the 300-400 MHz band. System deployment, which could be accomplished with only one or two launches, was not scheduled until 1995 or later (References 261 and 280).

261. Y.G. Milov and Y.V. Zonov, "Perspectives of Satellite Communication Development in Russia", Paper IAF-93-M.1.308, 44th Congress of the International Astronautical Federation, 16-22 October 1993.

280. Y. Gornostayev, op. cit., Vol. II, pp. 105-106.

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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