Loutch-5A and Loutch-5B DRSs

The Loutch-5A and Loutch-5B geostationary data relay satellites are based on ISS-Reshetnev’s Express-1000 unpressurized satellite platform.

S- and Ku-band data relay channels of each satellite will be linked with receive/transmit points via satellite communications links.

Each DRS is capable of orienting its high-precision antennas towards low-flying space objects so as to “catch” and “track” them along their trajectories. Moreover, each of the two user antennas is capable of tracking its “own” low-flying space object. One antenna will operate in the Ku-band, the other – in the S-band, with the Ku-band channel capacity at 150 Mbit/s and the S-band channel capacity at up to 5 Mbit/s.

The Loutch-5A spacecraft is also intended to receive COSPAS/SARSAT signals in the P-band and relay them in the L-band to the ground data receiving points. In addition, Loutch-5A will allow collection and transmission of the Planet-S System hydrometeorological data. Instead of these, the Loutch-5B satellite has been designed to employ a laser-radio channel.

A number of innovative solutions will be implemented in the Loutch-5A/5B program. These include:

  •  Onboard data relay complexes being created by ISS-Reshetnev in partnership with a number of Russian and foreign companies, such as NIIR (Moscow), Radiosviaz (Krasnoyarsk), NII PP (Moscow), Thales Alenia Space (France) and NEC TOSHIBA Space Systems (Japan).
  •  Honeycomb panel satellite structures with embedded heat pipes;
  •  Composite spokes;
  •  Antennas made of gilded micro-wire mesh;
  •  Gallium arsenide photocells;
  •  High-precision star-field trackers.