Intersputnik program

Russia

Intersputnik is an organization created in 1971 by the former USSR; started working in 1972. It was aimed to break Intelsat's monopoly (they didn't expect members not to belong to other telecommunications organizations). In 1997, 22 states belonged to the organization ( Intercosmos members and other friend states).

Intersputnik used Molniya satellites before turning to geostationary satellites ( Raduga, Gorizont, Gals and Express). Earth stations use typical 12 m antennas. Informcosmos is an important partner. Nowadays Russian Satellite Communications Company operates the satellites for Interputnik.

In June 1997 it was announced that Intersputnik and Lockheed Martin had formed a joint venture to become a global satellite operator: LMI.

In Oct 2000 Intersputnik says it is looking for a partner to launch Intersputnik-100M satellites, small GEO satellites with 6 to 10 transponders in S- and C-band (with steerable hemispheric coverage). They would cost at most $45 million production and launch would cost $15 million. Intersputnik wants to use its 15 GEO slots (from 97°W to 153.5°E). A Proton rocket could launch 3 such small satellites while the converted ICBM's Russia has at low price could launch one. Four of the GEO slots would be parking slots, to store satellite before use. The 32.5 & 23°W slots would serve for the operational slots at 97, 83, 16, 6, & 3°E. The 64.5 & 67.5°E parking slots would serve the 17, 27, 59.5, 75, 114.5, & 153.5°W operational slots.

Intersputnik announced in early-2001 that it plans to use S-band capacity for internet return path. They added that S-band uplink does not require any authorization for use, removing a possible roadblock to its project. It was also announced that Intersputnik 100M-1 & 2 (those should be the first two Intersputnik-100M satellites) would be launched in 2003 by Rokot.

See also Gorizont, Express and Gals

Ref: #15 - update: 31.07.11