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Signal

The RKK Energiya and Polet PO have teamed up with other industries to field the Signal constellation of LEO satellites. Up to 48 of these 310-kg spacecraft (12 satellites in each of four orbital planes) will fly at altitudes of 1,500 km with inclinations of 74 degrees. Launches will be conducted either by Kosmos boosters with two spacecraft or by Tsyklon boosters with six spacecraft. The long and narrow spacecraft (Figure 4.31) will have a payload capacity of 70 kg and a design lifetime of six years. The current design includes UHF, L-band, and Kuband transponders. Like several of its competitors, Signal has suffered program delays, and the launch of the first prototype spacecraft has slipped until at least 1995 (References 261, 262, 275-277).

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.

262. Vestnik Svyazi, 11 November 1994, pp. 6-10.

275. Signal technical description, international Space Communication Concern (KOSS), 1995.

276. Y. Gornostayev, op. cit., Vol. I, pp. 32, 35-36.

277. J.M. Lenorovitz, "Energia Gains U.S. Backing For Signal Satellite System", Aviation Week and Space Technology, 28 February 1994, pp. 55-57.

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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