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Khrunichev Space Center and Intersputnik Make Historic Deal
By Yuri Karash
Moscow Contributing Correspondent
posted: 04:06 pm ET
30 January 2001
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intersputnik_rokot_010130 Intersputnik, a space communications system operator and service provider, has teamed up with the Khrunichev Space Center to loft two of its small communications satellites into orbit on a Rokot light launch vehicle. The Rokot was developed by Khrunichev from the RS-18 intercontinental ballistic missile, known by NATO at the height of the Cold War as the SS-19 Stilet. The Rokot was originally designed to deliver small spacecraft with total mass not exceeding 1.85 metric tons, to low Earth and elliptical orbits. According to Khrunichev spokesman Sergey Zhiltsov, the Rokot launch will be a historic first as it will be the first-ever attempt to launch satellites into geostationary orbit by a light launch vehicle. The Intersputnik satellites will be delivered from low Earth to geostationary orbit using the Yakhta unified space platform. Developed by Khrunichev, this platform is propelled by ion rocket engines. Intersputnik International Organization of Space Communications was established on Nov. 15, 1971. It was formed as an intergovernmental organization between the then Eastern Bloc countries, the purpose of which was to provide international space telecommunications services to member states (and apparently to counter the West's consortium, Intelsat). At that time Intersputnik had nine member countries. With the beginning of political and economic reforms in the Soviet Union in late 1980s, and its subsequent breakup in 1991, Intersputnik was geared toward a more conventional role as an international commercial space communications services provider. At present, the Intersputnik membership includes more than 20 states. Intersputnik has observer status at the U.N. Committee for Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, UNESCO and the International Telecommunication Union, and takes part in their activities. This consortium also maintains contact, as well as cooperates with other international, regional and private satellite communication organizations, such as Intelsat, Eutelsat, Arabsat, PanAmsat, AsiaSat, Romantis and others.
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