COMPANY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Gazprom Space Systems has a development program that envisages to:
- develop and replenish the operating orbital fleet of Yamal fixed communications satellites;
- develop the ground infrastructure of the company in Schelkovo (Moscow region).
The current Yamal satellite fleet is completely loaded. In addition, the satellites have if even long-term, but nevertheless limited lifetimes. Therefore, the replenishment and development of the orbital fleet are the most important objective the company is facing.
Gazprom communications network development program for the years 2009-2014 provides for a further development of the orbital fleet of the Yamal communications satellites. This development is implemented not through Gazprom investments, but through attraction of credit facilities under its guarantee. Such scheme based on the principles of project financing is feasible because these satellite projects have a high economic efficiency.
Three satellites are already under construction: Yamal-300K, Yamal-401 and Yamal-402.
Yamal-300K satellite will be launched to the 90°E orbital position in 2012.
Then in 2012 Yamal-402 satellite will be launched to the 55°E orbital position.
Next launch will be in 2013. Yamal-401 satellite will be deployed in the 90°E orbital position.
After Yamal-401 satellite will be put into operation Yamal-300K satellite will be transferred to the East to the 163.5°E orbital position.
The design of Yamal-601 satellite, which will be launched to the orbit in 2014 to replace Yamal-202 satellite in the 49°E orbital position after reaching its operational lifetime, is in the development stage.
The 81.75°E orbital position Gazprom Space Systems will use to develop new business in Ka-band.
The program on maintaining and developing the Yamal fixed satellite communications system based on geostationary communications satellites is included in the Federal Space Program of Russia for the years 2006 - 2015.
In addition, in accordance with the Federal Space Program, Gazprom Space Systems will continue the activities on Earth observation based on the space (future Smotr System) and aviation means, as well as using a mobile broadband access system based on high-elliptic orbit satellites (PolarStar).
In parallel with the orbital fleet, the ground infrastructure of the company is also being developed. A new telecommunications center in Schelkovo, Moscow region is now in full construction. Control of new satellites, network operation center, teleport stations designed to work with operating and new satellites – all this will be concentrated at the telecommunications center.
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Summer 2009
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Winter 2009-2010
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Spring 2010
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Autumn 2010
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Besides, Gazprom Space Systems development program proposes to enhance the structure of the business for the purpose of increasing its efficiency.