In Russia works on creation of a system of low-orbit satellite communications a new generation of “Messenger”, according to “Roskosmos”. Thus, the Russian operator could try to catch up on capacity into their satellites the us company Iridium.
According to the Director of “the Messenger” Pavel Cherenkov radiation, if the current system requires annual replenishment, involving 1-2 missile launch, in order to maintain system “Gonets-M” will require a 2-3 start. The Manager added that the launches of spacecraft of the new generation is adapting a launching pad for rockets “Soyuz-2.1 b” on the Vostochny cosmodrome.
“At the initial stage of the deployment will be shown at 7 units for a run and then 2-3 to maintain the groups in staffing. Therefore, the construction site under a light carrier on the East not as important to Russia had its own permanently deployed and working low-orbit communications system,” — said the head.
In March 2019, RIA Novosti, citing a source in the space industry, said that the launch from the Plesetsk cosmodrome three Russian communication satellites “Gonets-M” moved from may to June due to the lack of control equipment of the Ukrainian production.
In October 2018, the Russian defense Ministry on the public procurement portal has posted a notice of holding a closed auction for the purchase until November 30, 2019 80 vehicles of satellite communication Iridium value 41,8 thousand rubles each. According to scientific Director of the space policy Institute Ivan Moiseev, the Russian military use the services of an American company instead of Russian “Messenger” because of the larger proposai ability of satellites first.
