Russian national satellite communications operator Space Communications (GPKS) and the Khrunichev Space Center signed a cooperation agreement on November 12.
This document deals with cooperation between the companies to implement programs to update the Russian satellite cluster based on domestic satellites and the effective use of Khrunichev launch vehicles – the Rokot, Angara-1.1, Angara-1.2 and Angara-A5 carrier rockets and also communications satellites based on the Yakhta space platform, officials said at a news conference at Interfax.
Under the agreement, GPKS will provide support for work by Khrunichev on small geostationary satellite projects based on Dialog communications satellites.
Under a separate contract with GPKS, Khrunichev will carry out work to build and launch Dialog satellites into an orbit to be agreed additionally by both parties, to be used for commercial purposes and to meet federal government requirements.
Khrunichev Space Center is the main developer of Dialog communications satellite systems, using small satellites in geostationary orbit. This system is designed to provide companies and organizations with satellite channels for high speed communications and data transmission services and also to provide telecommunications services to Russian and foreign users.
GPKS is the Russian Communications Ministry’s authorized body for developing and operating communications satellite systems. The company, the world’s 15th largest satellite communications operator, is registered with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), is a shareholder of Intelsat and Eutelsat, and a major partner in the international satellite communications organization Intersputnik. GPKS has a 64% share of the Russian satellite communications market.
GPKS operates Russia’s biggest satellite cluster: ten geostationary satellites that work in the C-, Ku- and L-bands.
