_1200dpi.jpg) Gorizont on a 1991 Soviet stamp | |
| Names | Горизонт Horizon 11F662 |
|---|---|
| Mission type | Communications |
| Operator | Russian Satellite Communications Company (RSCC) |
| Mission duration | 3 years (planned) |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Spacecraft | Gorizont |
| Bus | KAUR-3 |
| Manufacturer | NPO PM (ISS Reshetnev) |
| Launch mass | 2,110 kg (4,650 lb) |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 1978 - 2000 |
| Rocket | Proton |
| Launch site | Baikonur |
| Contractor | Khrunichev |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric orbit |
| Regime | Geostationary orbit |
| Transponders | |
| Coverage area | Soviet Union, Russia |
Gorizont (Russian: Горизонт, lit. 'horizon'), GRAU index 11F662, was a series of 35 Russian, previously Soviet, geosynchronous communications satellites launched between 1978 and 2000. The program was started in order to develop a satellite system to relay coverage of the 1980 Olympic Games from Moscow. The first four satellites were originally launched for this sole purpose.[1] Following this, the Gorizont system was integrated into the YeSSS Unified Satellite Communication System,[1] and was used to relay both civilian and military communications. From 1988 onwards, the satellites were also used in support of the Okean program.[1]
Gorizont satellites were based on the KAUR-3 satellite bus, which provided three-axis stabilisation, and liquid maneuvering engines.[1] The Gorizont satellite constellation was replaced by the Ekspress constellation. The first satellite Gorizont-11L was launched on 19 December 1978 and the last satellite launched was Gorizont No.45L on 6 June 2000.
- ^ a b c d Wade, Mark. "Gorizont". Encyclopedia Astronautica. Archived from the original on 17 June 2008. Retrieved 29 June 2008.