Elliptic Orbit Communication System Molniya-Zond: Launch, Spacecraft Assembling and Communication Equipment
- Paper number
IAC-05-B3.4.04
- Author
Dr. Yuri Ulybyshev, S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia, Russia
- Coauthor
Dr. Victor N. Doniants, Zond-Holdings, Russia
- Coauthor
Mr. Evgeny Zemskov, S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia, Russia
- Year
2005
- Abstract
An overview of the satellite communication system MOLNIYA-ZOND using a mid-altitude elliptic orbit constellation, focusing on the spacecraft launch and main features of the space segment , including the spacecraft assembling and communication equipment, is presented. The MOLNIYA-ZOND will provide a zonal communication for North hemisphere areas (such as the Russia, Canada, and North Europe). The space segment consists six satellites on a MOLNIYA-type orbit placed in two orbital planes (at elliptic 4-hours orbit with critical inclination and apogee in the North hemisphere). For the spacecraft launch to orbit will be used the launch vehicle SOYUZ-2 with the boost block FREGAT for simultaneously launch of three spacecraft or the launch vehicle DNEPR for single launch. The spacecraft assembling based on the universal space bus VICTORIA and placing at payload fairing are described. Orbit positioning strategies, in case of cluster and single launch, using the spacecraft propulsion including possible constellation reconfiguration are presented. Station-keeping requirements based on an analysis for long-term changes of satellite constellation coverage and communication network characteristics. Connection between user terminals is established through satellites and fixed terrestrial gateways. The mobile links (between the user terminals and the satellites) will operate at the 312-315 MHz for uplink and 387-390 MHz for downlink, the feeder links (between the control center/gateway Earth stations and the satellites) will operate at the Ku-band (11/14 GHz). Communication equipment for the MOLNIYA-ZOND spacecraft is shortly described.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-05-B3.4.04.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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