A new Luch satellite data-relay network (SDRN) spacecraft was launched on a Proton booster from Baikonur on 16 December to provide real-time communications for the Mir 1 space station.
From February 1992, the Mir, which also communicates via shipborne tracking stations - has been out of contact with mission control for 9h a day, after Russia decided to restrict the use of its Cosmos 2054/Luch satellite, launched into one of two geostationary orbital slots, 344¡E or West SDRN, in December 1989.
Two earlier Luch satellites had been abandoned after drifting off-station. The other GEO slot, 95¡E or Central SDRN, could be filled by the latest Luch. The Luch's NPO/PM Altair spacecraft buses weigh 2,200kg and are provided with 1.8kW of power from solar arrays spanning 16m.
Source: Flight International
