Russian space company Khrunichev and national satellite operator Russian Satellite Communications have agreed to co-operate on upgrading the country's communications satellite systems.
Russia has 30 unoccupied positions in geostationary orbit which must be filled by 2006 or they could be given to other countries by the International Telecommunication Union.
Russia's parliament has agreed to the launch of seven communications satellites and will subsidise up to 30% of the costs.
Khrunichev has designed a new small-class satellite platform, Yakhta, on which the satellites will be based and launches are planned for the new Angara fleet and current Rockot boosters.
The first communications satellite in the series, called Dialog, will be launched in 2003 by Eurockot at a cost of $45 million. Two Yakhta-based spacecraft are already being built for Interpsutnik for launch on Rockot boosters in 2003.
Source: Flight International
