Luch (Olimp-K 1?)

Spacecraft nº:

Russian spacecraft nº:

Launch data:

Description:

• LUCH (OLYMP) is a secretive Russian military satellite. Russia has revealed little about the mission—also known as Olymp—other than the spacecraft was built by ISS Reshetnev, a Russian satellite manufacturer. The satellite is likely heading for geostationary orbit, a 22,300-mile (35,888-km) high perch used by communications satellites, where a spacecraft's orbit matches the speed of Earth's rotation.
• According to a Komersant report, the satellite will serve in a dual role: One being electronic intelligence (SIGINT) and the other is providing secure communications for governmental use. The Luch designation hints to a data relay role. Therefore the Olimp-K designation might relate to the ELINT payload while the Luch designation relates to the data relay payload. Another source reports, that the satellite is to provide navigation correction signals for the GLONASS system. An onboard laser communciations device has also been reported.
• A connection to the Yenisey A1 (Luch 4) experimental satellite has also been speculated, but could not be substantiated.
• Reportedly it will be located at the 167° east position.

Mission details:

• The Khrunichev Proton launch vehicle returned to flight Sep 27, launching the Luch satellite for the Russian Defense Ministry. The satellite is built by ISS Reshetnev.
  Earlier-generation Luch satellites were used for data relay, analogously to the NASA TDRS and NRO SDS systems. On Oct 16 Luch was in a 35796 x 35896 km x 0.0 deg orbit drifting west over 54 deg E.

External links:

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