Reshetnev company information satellite systems no 06 2008 by Volker Baumann

№6, 2008

The Russian Federation Government field meeting at the JSC “ISS” premises

Информационные спутниковые системы

Field meeting of the Russian Federation Government at the JSC “Academician M.F. Reshetnev “ISS” premises, October 21, 2008 Vladimir Putin: “The impressions are the most positive both from high level of labor management and quality of products, as well as from people I have talked here. The “Information Satellite Systems” manufactures the products for purposes of space communication, TV and radio broadcasting, navigation and geodesy. The company has manufactured more than 1160 satellites. Today, more than a half of our orbit constellation has been produced by this enterprise”.

Dear colleagues and partners! In 2009 the JSC “Academician M.F. Reshetnev “Information Satellite Systems” celebrates its fiftieth anniversary. During that period the JSC “ISS” became the leading Russian enterprise in the field of space technology. Today our enterprise is a performer of the most important state programs in developing and manufacture advanced satellites for navigation, communication and geodesy. The stable state of production, the newest material and technical basis and highly qualified specialists are the potential, which allows the JSC “ISS” making plans for the future with good prospects. In terms of the technical characteristics, satellites that are being manufactured at the JSC “ISS” meet the highest world standards. First of all, they are communications satellites based on modified “Express-1000” platform, as well as new heavy satellites based on an “Express-4000” platform combining the best performances of the Russian “Express-2000” platform and the European “Spacebus 4000” platform. The enterprise continuously designs and develops advanced technologies in the field of satellite building, expands the rate of production. International contracts on space products are evidence of appreciation and need of our products. So, at different stages of design, development and test there are more than 40 satellites simultaneously. Finally, we offer to the modern society not only new satellites, but new quality of life, consisting in easy access to any necessary information.

The JSC “ISS” General Designer and General Director N. Testoyedov

Информационные спутниковые системы

Content Space technologies on service of Russia On October 21, a field meeting of the Russian Federation Government took place at the JSC “Academician M.F. Reshetnev” Information Satellite Systems” premises. Vladimir Putin headed the meeting.

Reshetnev Company JSC “Information Satellite Systems” Founder: The JSC “Academician M.F. Reshetnev “Information Satellite Systems” 52, Lenin Street, Zheleznogorsk, CATU Zheleznogorsk, Krasnoyarsk region, 662972, Russia

The replenishment of the GLONASS orbital constellation goes according to the plan After launching and commissioning three “Glonass-M” satellites in December 2008, the GLONASS orbital constellation will consist of 20 operating navigation satellites. That will do for providing high accuracy of navigation determinations on the territory of the Russian Federation.

Experiments in space

New technologies and development prospects of domestic communication satellite platforms and payloads

Student satellites are being developed in the center of Russia

Tel: (391-97) 280-08 Fax: (391-97) 226-35 Editorial board: Editor-in-chief:

Svetlana Bashkova Build editor: Elena Matveyeva Written by:

Vasily Zvonar Victor Chebotarev Andrey Yakovlev Anton Vlasov Valery Mironovich Correspondents:

Kristina Uspenskaya Irina Chaikina Lyudmila Lavrova Translator:

Oleg Savinov Proofs: Elena Shugurova Photo:

Vlada Mineyeva

Recent engineering achievements of the Reshetnev Company During the field meeting of the Russian Federation Government at the JSC “ISS” premises, Vladimir Putin was demonstrated with reliable, functional and complicated satellites as well as current technologies that the Siberian enterprise has for today.

Design & make-up:

Maxim Mikhalchenkov All materials were made-up at the editorial office Tel: (391-97) 6-45-25 e-mail: pressa@iss-reshetnev.ru http://www.iss-reshetnev.ru

The use of honeycomb panels for advanced satellites

Information period: October – December 2008 References to our information are mandatory.

Building the future

Printed at the JSC “ISS” Circulation: 999 copies. Distributed free of charge.

The major construction of a new building for large transformable structures production is being carried out at the JSC “ISS”.

Information Satellite Systems

Preparation of “Express-AM44” satellite for shipping to the launch site

the JSC “Academician M.F. Reshetnev” Information Satellite Systems”, the preparatory work on the “Express-AM44” telecommunication satellite for shipping to the launch site is in progress. At the beginning of November the satellite was taken off from the custody. By now, the check of the satellite on-board systems and payload functioning has successfully completed. After the final preparatory operations, the “Express-AM44” will be shipped to Baikonur. The shipment is planned for the beginning of January. The launch of telecommunication satellite is scheduled on February 10, 2009. For information, the satellite at the JSC “ISS” was completed in July, and after that it was put on the custody because the launch date was postponed.

Airshow China 2008

4 - 9 of November, the delegation of the JSC “Academician M.F. Reshetnev “Information satellite Systems” took part in Airshow China 2008, International aerospace salon (Zhuhai, China). The JSC “Academician M.F. Reshetnev “Information Satellite Systems” participated in the aerospace show as a part of the joint Federal Space Agency exposition. The Reshetnev Company represented to exhibitors and visitors the models of the “ExpressAM44” telecommunication satellite and the perspective “Loutch-5A” relay-satellite (scale 1:10). The stand of Reshetnev Company attracted a great attention of specialists. All the days of the show work for the delegation of the JSC “ISS” were saturated with presentations and meetings with major foreign companies.

The Russian National Exhibition in India

dia).

The work on the AMOS 5 satellite has started

31st of October, the contract came into force, according to which the JSC “Academician M.F. Reshetnev “Information Satellite Systems” will build the geostationary communication satellite system Amos-5 for Israeli communication operator SPACE-COMMUNICATION LTD. The spacecraft will be based on the “Express-1000H” middle class platform and equipped with 36 transponders of C – and Ku – bands. The power allocated for the payload is 5,6 kW, lifetime is 15 years. According to the contract, the JSC “ISS” will design and launch into orbit a telecommunication satellite, build a ground control segment, as well as provide services in training of the personnel and technical support in process of the satellite operation. Thales Alenia Space will be the main sub-contractor to the Reshetnev Company.

25 - 28 of November, the delegation of the JSC “ISS” took part in the Russian National Exhibition in Delhi (In-

The Reshetnev company being the leading company in the field of the Russian space industry demonstrated its achievements in the field of navigation. The models of the advanced “Glonass-K” modern satellite and the perspective “Glonass-M” satellite were represented at the stand of the JSC “ISS”. The joint exposition of Roscosmos was visited by the Russian Federation delegation as well as by officials of government departments of India. During the exhibition the representatives of the JSC “ISS” carried out the company presentation for the Forum guests as well as a series of business meetings within the frame of the “Business-contact” program.

Information Satellite Systems

Visit

Space technologies to the benefit of Russia

Information Satellite Systems

Vladimir Putin, the Chairman of the Russian Federation Government:

This subject became a leitmotif of the prime minister Vladimir Putin’s visit to Krasnoyarsk region and one of the most important issues that was discussed on thr 21st of October at the JSC “Academician M.F. Reshetnev “Information Satellite Systems” during the field meeting of the Russian Federation Government.

ecision on holding a field meeting of the Russian Federation Government at the JSC “ISS” premises was not an occasional one. Today, the company is a performer of the most important state programs on designing and building modern satellites. First of all, the matter concerns the “GLONASS” Federal Purpose-oriented Program and Federal Space Program for 2006 – 2015. Besides, today in the Krasnoyarsk region some pilot projects on using the space achievements in the interests of the development of the economics, industry and social sphere in our region are actively being realized. The visit program of Government Chairman in Krasnoyarsk started with opening of the first line of a new bridge over the Yenisey River, equipped with GLONASS system sensors ensuring the constant technical state control of the object. Vladimir Putin’s familiarization with space technologies proceeded

at the JSC “ISS” premises where, before the beginning of the field meeting of the Russian Federation Government, the prime minister attended a satellite and system general assembly workshop. Nickolay Testoyedov, the General Designer and General Director, told about new technologies used to build satellites and presented full-scaled models of “Glonass-M” and “Glonass-K” navigation satellites, “Yubileiny” small class satellite, and “Express-AM44” telecommunication satellite. Keen interest of the prime minister was excited by samples of current satellite on-board and ground antennas. Nickolay Testoyedov told Vladimir Putin about the process of Siberian satellite creation, as an example “Loutch” and “Loutch-5A” relaysatellites. A “Loutch” satellite developed 25 years ago had lifetime of three years and mass of 2,5 tons. In contrast to it, a “Loutch-5” satellite being developed at the JSC “ISS” by Roscosmos order will be half in mass and its lifetime is expected to be more than 10 years. The Prime Minister was demonstrated the level of modern technology achievements used to build steerable antennas for “Loutch-5A” satellites, in particular, the frame of antenna is made of carbon-plastic and gilded mesh knitted of metal threads of several microns in diameter. Vladimir Putin shared his impressions with participants of the field meeting of the government, which started at the JSC “ISS” after visiting production facilities. “The impressions are the most positive both from high level of labor management and quality of products, as well as from people I have talked here. The “Information Satellite Systems” builds the means

Russia actually has strong positions in space development. At present, our satellite constellation consists of more than 100 spacecraft, and will be sequentially increased. Annually we provide 40% of all satellite launches in the world. Our country is one of the recognized leaders in the field of manned programs. All commitments to our partners in terms of the International space station are fulfilled definitely. Obviously, the status of reliable international partner should be constantly kept. But the most important thing is, of course, the necessity of effective use of space technologies to the benefit of our country in particular, to ensure domestic security, to provide up-todate, innovative basis for the Russian economics, to enter the global hi-tech market. And again, the space industry, scientific and production reserve and manpower potential – is one of our competitive advantages that should be developed and maintained.

Information Satellite Systems

for space communication, TV and radio broadcasting, navigation and geodesy purposes. The company has manufactured more than 1160 satellites. Today, more than a half of our orbit constellation has been produced by this enterprise”, he noted. The Russian Government Chairman highly evaluated the results of company’s activities and called it one of the leading enterprises in industry. The Government Chairman highly evaluated the activities of Russia in the field of space development, concentrated attention on necessity of not only ensuring rapid development of leading-edge space technologies but also on searching new ways for their effective use to the benefit of the country. Vladimir Putin formulated one of the cardinal problems, which hampers the dynamic development of the space services market: “The process of application of the space activity results to economics is not made on the systematic basis, he marked. – As before, the level of accessibility of “space services” for the vast users is extremely low. In this connection the Government has greatly increased financing of some State programs, including “GLONASS” Federal Purpose-oriented Program and Federal Space Program. “In 2009 - 2011, 200 billion rubles will be assigned for the needs of the branch. This financing is from the Federal Budget only” – reported the Russian Federation Government Chairman. Anatoly Perminov, the Head of the Federal Space Agency, made a report on the implementation progress of the key space programs. He told about the current state of the space industry and about plans of space activities for the period up to 2020 and for the future prospects. In particu-

lar, he reported to the Government Chairman about prospective evolution of the orbital constellation of the social and economics, research and double-purpose application satellites. “Its numerical strength is expected to increase more than three times by 2020, in comparison with 2008”, - informed the Head of Federal Space Agency. Alexander Khloponin, the Governor of Krasnoyarsk region, gave a report to the Chairman of the Russian Federation Government on the long-term purpose-oriented program about the use of space activity results to the benefit of the regional development. In his opinion, Krasnoyarsk region is the ideal model for testing decisions in the field of practical use of the space activity results. Owing to its territorial and environmental features as well as its natural resources, our region needs such space services like global and continuous communication, monitoring, data rely, navigational, cartographical and other types of services. In fact, the Krasnoyarsk region has already become a progressive region in terms of the space technologies implementation and integration with real management processes. “We started to create the regional network system of high-accuracy navigation based on the GLONASS system, to implement remote probing of natural resources on our territory. We draw up – with 1-meter accuracy – electronic map of the Krasnoyarsk region. It will allow us to create an effective system of traffic control, nature management, management of forest and water resources”, reported the governor Khloponin. One of the major results of the field meeting is the decision on de-

Anatoly Perminov, the Head of the Federal Space Agency: In 2007 and the past period of 2008, the Russian rocket-space industry carried out significant work on realization of the tasks posed by the government of the country. Last year, seven launches took place according to the Federal Space Program. The Russian manned spacecraft and space transport vehicles were providing with continuous operation of the International Space Station. According to the GLONASS program, six satellites were injected into orbit by two launchers. During the current year, the “Express-AM33” communications satellite was launched; “Soyuz” and “Progress” launch vehicles were in use; three satellites of the GLONASS system were injected into orbit in September. Operation of a “Resource-DK1” satellite for the Earth remote sensing is successfully going on. The most important national tasks in the sphere of satellite communication, broadcasting and data transmission are carried out with the use of domestic orbital constellations. At minimum acceptable level, the needs of federal authorities in information about the Earth remote sensing are satisfied. Annual increase of product output volume is guaranteed in rocket-space industry. Growth rates twice exceed industry performances of the country on the whole.

Information Satellite Systems

velopment of a new Federal purposeoriented program, related to the use of space achievements to the benefits for the Russian regions. Sergey Ivanov, the Government Vice-Chairman, mentioned that the mentioned Federal purpose-oriented program has to come into force in 2010. Thus, the positive experience of the Krasnoyarsk region and some other territorial entities of the Russian Federation in the field of practical use of space technologies will be demanded on a national scale in the nearest future. Sergey Ivanov also reported on plans of the government on the GLONASS system development, in particular, he reported that for the Federal purpose-oriented program for the period of 2009 – 2011

more than 60 billion rubles will be assigned. Besides, up to the end of 2008 it is planned to introduce to the State Duma the Law on navigational activity in Russia. Nowadays, the activity is not regulated. The law will allow establishing rules of the joint use of GLONASS and GPS signals on the territory of the Russian Federation. All accepted decisions are practical ones and are aimed at the space industry development, as well as the effective use of space activities results to the benefit of social and economic development of Russia. The JSC “Academician M.F. Reshetnev ”Information Satellite Systems” got not only a positive evaluation of the work but the real support in realization of the state projects.

Alexander Khloponin, the Governor of Krasnoyarsk region: I suppose, the Federal Program should take into account that the GLONASS system starts developing in the market with high level of competition. So, at least for the period of its formation, the system should be provided with vital governmental preferences. Without domestic navigation system, both military and economical security of the country hardly can be talked about. It is necessary by directions – at the level of government regulations to implement GLONASS in ground, air and water transport, in activities of the state and municipal organizations.

Информационные спутниковые системы

п роекты

N AVIG AT I ON

The replenishment of the GLONASS orbital constellation goes according to the plan In 2008, the JSC “Academician M.F. Reshetnev “Information Satellite Systems” performed all the necessary activities to build and launch six “Glonass-M” satellites designed for replenishment of the GLONASS orbital constellation. The first three “Glonass-M” satellites were injected into orbit in September. The launch of next navigation satellite block is scheduled for December 25, from Baikonur launch site. After their commissioning, the orbital constellation will consist of 20 operating navigation satellites. That will do for providing high accuracy of navigation determinations on the territory of the Russian Federation.

Replenishment of constellation

For accelerating the work on replenishing the GLONASS orbital constellation, the company significantly increased its production volume: the quantity of manufactured navigation satellites is increased twice as many, and since 2007 six satellites are annually launched into orbit (two launches in 3 satellites). This December, the launch of the “Glonass-M” satellites will be the second one this year. The first block of navigation satellites was launched on the 25th of September and nowadays all three satellites are in operation according to the mission. Thus, at

Information Satellite Systems

present the constellation consists of 17 operating satellites. After launching the block №39, the constellation will include 20 spacecraft. With the launching of six more satellites in 2009, the constellation will consist of 23 satellites. Thus, the ‘old’ satellites are replaced with satellites of the new generation. In parallel with “Glonass-M” satellite launches, the JSC “ISS” is busy with developing a “Glonass-K” satellite of new generation, capable of modernized navigation signals. Research

and development work on this satellite are at the final stage. At present, the specialists of our company started the ground experimental test. The first launches of “Glonass-K” satellites are scheduled for 2010. Thus, in 2010 the orbital constellation will consist of 24 spacecraft, and allow providing high accuracy of global navigation determinations.

GLONASS/GPS Today, Russia is focusing on joint use of GLONASS and GPS signals, since it doubles availability and accuracy of navigation determinations. The advantages of combined GLONASS/GPS receivers were demonstrated to Vladimir Putin during his visit to our region. An experimental determination of individual points’ coordinates was run on the Krasnoyarsk Bridge over the Yenisey River with the help of two systems’ signals. As a result, the accuracy of navigation determinations was about 2 meters.

Correction of the Federal Purpose-oriented Program (FPP)

In 2008, the Russian Federation Government approved the correction of “GLONASS” Federal Purposeoriented program, which is aimed

at more active development and further modernization of the GLONASS constellation. In accordance with the changes implemented, the satellite spares in orbit and on ground will be established. Taking into account the in-orbit spares, the constellation will consist of 30 satellites. The orbital and ground satellite spares will improve the constellation stability as well as the accessibility and functional reliability of the GLONASS system. Because of a new correction of the FPP, the volume of work on developing navigation satellites has essentially increased. The financing of work on the program was increased as well. According to Sergey Ivanov, the Russian Government Vice-Chairman, based on the results of government field meeting at the JSC “ISS” premises, for the period of 2009 – 2011 it will be more than 60 billion rubles. In compliance with new plans, during three years the JSC “ISS” will build 17 navigation satellites, including two spare satellites on ground. Nowadays, the staff of the enterprise is ready to fulfil the task. As it was mentioned above, in 2007 the company coped with government task on doubling “Glonass-M” satellite production volume. At that, the capabilities of the company itself and its subcontractors allow future increasing of the rate of production, test, and assembly of the advanced satellites.

NAVIG AT I ON

Information Satellite Systems

EXPERIMENTS IN SPACE A well-known dilemma of designers which is: on the one hand, there is a desire to develop a new satellite with new performances, new quality that neither domestic nor foreign satellites have, and on the other hand there is the availability of the flight heritage enabling to meet the highest requirements of customer for reliability of the satellite operation and performances – became especially actual for space product creators.

erspective space systems and satellites developed by the JSC “Academician M.F. Reshetnev” Information Satellite Systems” shall meet requirements of the future, and satisfy all needs of particular user, and, at the same time, to be highly reliable and operative. When developing a satellite, a compromise should be made between the use of new devices that provide new quality and performances of a satellite (but no flight qualification), and derived devices qualified for space application. The application of new devices causes a risk of possible failures, satellite premature disabling and flight test protracting for several years because of the need of thorough check and validation of the satellite performances and its equipment in all operational modes. This issue becomes particularly sharp when aimed at deploying and maintaining the size of big multi-satellite orbital constellations. The striking example of such systems is a global navigation system (GNS) «GLONASS». The stages of its creation, including new satellite modifications, the stages of attainment of the performance characteristics, and expansion of orbital constellation are well traceable. For solving this problem an interesting decision was found when developing “Glonass-M” navigation satellites. The specialists of the JSC “ISS” De-

sign Office developed the method of accelerated and reliable flight qualification of new space technologies. It was successfully implemented to build “Glonass-M” satellites. The point of the method is anticipatory placement of an additional payload (APL) on a navigation satellite of previous modification, which solves the tasks of new space technologies of a perspective navigation satellite. In other words, the modernized method allows performing flight test of perspective devices and assemblies in advance (to get a flight qualification). A “Glonass-M” satellite was chosen as a test object for that purpose, because it meets all the following requirements in the best way: for all satellite modifications the operation conditions are the same; satellite design and development activities were performed taking into account the possibility of accelerated flight tests of space technologies. For realizing the idea, mathematical models and procedures of satellite resources formation with the aim to accommodate additional Payload were developed, as well as formation procedures of satellite unified interfaces ensured by standardized interfaces (design, thermal, electrical and information ones). Of course, this idea became reality thanks to ac-

tive help of specialists from different departments. At that, the sufficient and necessary condition of any space experiment is that a satellite shall fulfil its mission tasks without any limitations. As the result, at the final stage of “Glonass-M” satellite development, a possibility to accommodate an additional payload of 50 kg with power consumption of 350 W, on antenna assembly and inside the pressurized container was provided ensured with a typical set of informational, electric and thermal

Information Satellite Systems

interfaces. For this purpose, a standard unified mechanical interface for placing experimental equipment was developed within the satellite structure. Depending on a satellite mission, the interface considered allows: a) standard accommodation of equipment (depending on the type of a sealed-design satellite); b) accommodation of equipment on a non-sealed satellite supported with simulation of real operating conditions. Design solutions regarding reserves of the satellite resources allocated for the APL mass and volume will be implemented on a step-by-step basis through different scenarios of practical realization. So, at initial stage of “Glonass-M” satellite operation, during flight experiments, the following additional resources as dummy masses (DM) were used: flight experiment on radiating L3band signal by a 14L satellite (developer - FSUE “Russian Institute of Space Devices Engineering” (RNII KP)) – DM1 (№3), DM2, DM5 (№2); power amplifier for L2 signal, starting with a 14L satellite and all subsequent satellites, on continuing basis (developer - FSUE “Russian Institute of Space Devices Engineering” (RNII KP)) – DM1 (№1), DM4; environmental control equipment, starting with a 14L satellite (developer – Research Institute of nuclear physics) – DM5 (№3); ballast load used for EPS purposes, starting with a 14L satellite – DM1 (№4); inter-satellites ranging on-board equipment (developer - FSUE “Russian Institute of Space Devic-

es Engineering” (RNII KP)) – DM6 (№1,2,3), DM1 (№3), DM2. Starting with the satellite №20, antenna assembly will be equipped with inter-satellites ranging onboard equipment. With that, no more resources to accommodate dummy masses representing additional payload are available on an antenna assembly. Today new technologies of nonsealed satellites using honeycomb panels are worldwide implemented, so all perspective devices being developed have to be qualified for operation outside a sealed container. As a result, the design offices have developed a universal mounting area on the sealed container’s adapter to accommodate additional payload with mass up to 45 kg (unified mechanical interface). To achieve that, the adapter was reinforced and subjected to delta qualification tests. On-board integrated computation unit was placed on the unified mechanical interface of a “Glonass-M” satellite following a new technology (the specialists of the JSC “ISS” perform flight experiment on testing the above computation unit developed by STC «Module»). All the satellites of №39 block are equipped with additional payload for performing space experiments: satellite №27 is equipped with Li-ion batteries (developer – JSC «Saturn»). A similar experiment with Li-ion batteries is being prepared (JSC «Istochnik»); satellite №28 and №29 is equipped with inter-satellites laser navigation-communication on-board equipment (developer – FSUE «NIIPP»). The experiment with quantum clock based on rubidium gas-cell developed by the JSC “Russian Insti-

tute of Radionavigation and Time” (RIRV) is in progress, the same for a precise thermal control subsystem developed by JSC “ISS”. The experiment is scheduled for satellites №32 and №33. A series of space experiments with perspective domestic and foreign ADCS/AOCS devices are being prepared. The experiments are scheduled for satellites SC №34, №35, and №40. The possibility to perform an experiment with search and rescue equipment to be installed on a “Glonass-M” satellite is under consideration. Thus, the technology of anticipatory space experiments has been commercialized; it works and makes good results. It is necessary to note that realization of space experiments requires not only satellite reserves to be employed, but also recruits a lot of specialists from design offices and production subdivisions of the JSC “ISS”. The employees of the enterprise organize and control the experiment at all stages, including coordination and approvals of directive documents, design solution to allow the experiment implementation, covering the issues of thermal, power and resources support, and, finally, its actual implementation. We hope that this article will initiate a series of publications about the results on testing new on-board devices. They will demonstrate the actual results of efforts of our specialists and illustrates the further prospects of space experiments. Vasily Zvonar Sector Manager of Spacecraft & Systems Engineering Department Victor Chebotarev Principal Designer, Spacecraft & Systems Engineering Department

P rogram s

Информационные спутниковые системы

New technologies

and prospects of development of satellite platforms and payloads for domestic communications and broadcasting satellites At the modern stage of telecommunication technological expansion, the role of a satellite as an integral part of a complex enabling transfer to a global information society is increasing. Among the total volume of the world market of space technologies the satellite communications, data relay and broadcasting are about 70%. Such a tendency is stipulated by a commercial attraction of these systems and means.

ny promising communications satellite for socialeconomic and commercial purposes, first of all shall meet requirements of competitive ability and profitability, and shall have sufficiently high technological level. To reduce costs for design, development activities and to decrease production period of communications satellites, modern developers use a series of design principles corresponding to the relevant world technology tendencies. The principles are:

modularity : a satellite consists of a service system module and a payload module; unification and standardization: a service system module is designed and tested for a specified range of target equipment characteristics including mass, power, information characteristics thus allowing to reduce financial and time costs to build a series of satellites of that class;

Information Satellite Systems

universality and versatility : a payload module is developed so that to be installed on a satellite intended for any orbital position; up-to-dateness : the use of perspective solutions in different fields of space engineering including power supply, sensors, propulsion system and so on. The tendency of widespread use of basic satellite platforms while developing communications satellites is typical for both domestic and foreign manufactures. An important distinctive feature of platforms, that are being developed in Russia, is their universality : on one hand, the platform adaptability to a wide class of payloads taking into account specific requirements of any customer, without expensive alterations; on the other hand, compatibility with nearly all available launch vehicles of middle and heavy class. At present, some series of satellites based on an “Express-1000” platform (small and middle satellites) and “Express-2000” platform (heavy satellites) are being developed. Availability of unified design principles, engineering solutions and technologies, as well as standard on-board equipment allows ensuring a set of technical and operating performances of platforms of ”Express-1000” and “Express-2000” families, whatever the sizing is. Thanks to availability of advanced high-performance equipment like solar arrays based on three-junction gallium arsenide photo-cells, Li-Ion batteries, stationary plasmic thrusters, and original design solutions, the specialists of the JSC “ISS” succeeded in improving power and mass properties of an “Express-1000” platform thus getting a possibility to create new class satellites, which belong to small satellites in terms of mass and dimension properties, but to middle class satellites in terms of their functional capabilities. Based on the above platforms, the satellites “Loutch-5A” and “Loutch-5B”, “Glonass-K” navigation satellite of a new generation and others are being built. An “AMOS-5” telecommunication satellite will be manufactured based on a perspective “Express-1000H” platform. However, today we are facing some challenges concerning both payload and platforms of perspective satellites for various purposes. The specialists of our enterprise deal with solving these issues.

Nowadays, leading foreign companies determine the world level of communications and broadcasting satellites. In order to meet the level, the technical and operational performances of domestic satellites shall be at least not worse than foreign ones. The most rational strategy, which allows achieving the above goal, is wide and mutually beneficial coopera-

The platform family being developed at the JSC “ISS” jointly with their subcontractors will feature with the following key design peculiarities allowing to achieve high technical and operational performances, as well as high efficiency: high heritage level of design and technological solutions, the efficiency of them was confirmed by successful flight operation of previous satellites manufactured by the JSC “ISS”; widespread use of the best domestic and foreign technologies and equipment for satellite platforms and payloads; use of advanced EEE-parts with high integration level and high efficiency for on-board equipment; modular design of satellites based on the above platform family, as well as modular design of equipment requiring a wider performance range; typical design of on-board subsystems for all platforms of the family; a unified bank of advanced equipment to be used for the platforms of different sizing; same technologies to be used during manufacture and testing sequence of all family platforms; widespread use of European quality standards, as well as standards of development, qualification and acceptance.

tion with the world space engineering leaders. Such a way was taken by the JSC “ISS” jointly with Thales Alenia Space to develop an “Express-4000” multifunctional satellite platform designed for geostationary and high elliptic satellites of a heavy class. New Russian-European satellite platform will be remarkable for high level of reliability and quality. In addition, it will be compatible with Russian components and subsystems and optimized for direct injection ensured by “Proton” launcher. In April 2008, the JSC “ISS” and TAS signed a memorandum of mutual understanding according to which the companies will jointly develop perspective satellites based on an “Express-4000” platform. That is a new stage of cooperation started with joint work on fixed communications satellites SESAT and of “Express-A” series. Today, when developing perspective communications and broadcasting satellites it is difficult to meet two conditions, in particular, to be competitive on the modern communication satellites market and, at the same time, to be oriented to Russian providers of missionpurpose equipment (payload modules). Domestic on-board payload complexes in terms of their mission and technical and operational performances are behind the advanced foreign analogues. So, some satellites are completed with foreign payloads (on-board repeater). Payload is a complicated and expensive part of a communication satellite. At the same time it performs specified set of standard operations, including receiving, amplification, conversion of signals, etc. That’s why designers mark out the basic modules similar in their purposes within payloads different in their purpose and technical parameters. At present, some foreign and domestic companies build these modules. In order to reduce satellites costs and development period, a wide spectrum of modules manufactured and tested within the frame of commercial informational satellite programs is used. This technology is employed to develop a payload module for a “Loutch-5A” satellite. Following the specified technical characteristics, basic modules from foreign and domestic manufactures are purchased intended for their integration into a payload module of a specific satellite. Taking into account that payload module price is 70% of a satellite price, a manufacturer can increase his own share in a satellite price. For providing profitability and com-

Information Satellite Systems

When developing the above platform family the following key technologies and equipment determining the level of platform characteristics were used: non-hermetic platform design; on-board control subsystem based on the centralized on-board computer, unified information interfaces accompanied with the possibility to use on-board TT&C equipment in different frequency bands and different standards in accordance with the customer’s requirements; technology of autonomous control and assurance of survivability under single failures; propulsion subsystem based on highpulse stationary plasmic thrusters; electric power subsystem based on three-junction gallium arsenide photocells and Li-Ion batteries; high-performance thermal control subsystem based on redundant liquid loop and heat pipes; the structure based on aluminum and carbon-plastic honeycomb panels with embedded heat pipes and liquid loop. petitive ability, an advanced satellite shall be equipped with not only highperformance repeater, but provide a rational distribution of radiating power over the coverage area. This is ensured by selecting the most suitable on-board antenna complex. Such solution in combination with increased radiating power of transponders will allow clients to use less complicated (and cheaper) ground terminals. To meet these conditions, the work on supplying perspective satellites with shaped antennas and adaptive multibeam antennas based on hybrid-reflector antennas and phased arrays. Thus, for the products to be competitive and demanded in the satellite communication service market, every effort of domestic satellite manufacturers are aimed at:

antenna systems implementation, widespread use and improvement;

arrangement of production of highperformance payloads based on basic unified modules; implementation of “Lego-architecture” technology to support designing of perspective satellites; the technology is considered as a progressive one allowing a new way in arranging production process; creation of the «Express-1000» and «Express-2000» family modern highperformance and competitive platforms allowing to reduce the production period and costs for different class satellites. Victor KOSENKO, First Deputy General Designer and General Director JSC “ISS”

Below, there are listed the major tasks that should be solved to permit a rapid entry with new platforms to the market: qualification of key on-board equipment to meet European quality standards and the requirements for the lifetime not less than 15 years; development of domestic analogues of key Western equipment used for platforms with similar level of technical and operational performances; completing development and ground experimental tests of family platforms; flight validation of the employed equipment qualification level.

programs

Информационные спутниковые системы

Student satellites are being developed in the center of Russia On the 23rd of May 2008, successful launch of a small satellite “Yubileiny” opened a new page in the history of small satellites of the JSC “Academician M.F. Reshetnev “Information Satellite Systems”. Favorable combination of the company’s great experience in creating satellites, initiative and creative approach to efforts of young specialists, scientists and workers allowed to design, develop, manufacture and test a small satellite of new generation during six months. Successful in-orbit operation of the “Yubileiny” satellite confirmed the adequacy of technical solutions made. Thus, we can state that today the JSC “ISS” has a space laboratory in operation, which allows to perform scientific and technical space experiments using small satellites and test on-board equipment developed by the company within the frame of the contract portfolio.

addition to scientific-technical and experimental tasks covered by the Small Satellite Program, there is one more, not less important one which is training of the teams of young specialists on basis of design-oriented technology of education. The idea of this method is in modeling the work process of satellite creation from the very beginning, starting with developing design documentation up to the final stage, in particular, to the satellite in-orbit control. Such an approach allows forming necessary competence of students before applying for a job, and greatly increases their voca-

Information Satellite Systems

tional training level. For many young specialists the attraction of such form of training is in the practical importance of obtained experience. It determines personal motivation for getting new knowledge and stimulates assignment of a specialist in hi-tech spheres of activity. It is also worth mentioning that developing a complicated space system – a satellite – requires not only high professionalism of each project participant, but also ability to work in a team. For practical implementation of tasks, on October 20, 2008 the top management of the JSC “Academician M.F. Reshetnev “Information Satellite Systems” and Academician M.F. Reshetnev Siberian State Aerospace University (SibGAU) signed a joint Order on establishing “Space Systems and Technologies” Research and Educational Center (SST REC). Its main directions of activities are: conduction of joint scientific and technical developments within the frame of space engineering and production activities, including small satellites, as well as joint research experiments in space; implementation of the designoriented training technology for young specialists-graduates of Siberian State Aerospace University to be involved in perspective directions of the JSC “ISS” activities, when implementing joint scientific and research projects. The joint work of the JSC “ISS” and SibGAU aimed at designing and manufacturing of small satellites, and performing experiments in space, considers three main tasks. First one is to design, develop and manufacture on-board devices and systems for space products. Second one is to design, develop and manufacture micro-satellites. Third one is satellite control and operation to the benefit of different users. At present, an active work is being performed in each direction, and at SibGAU, at the SST Research and Educational Center,

student design office and experimental production base are being established. The joint work on implementing the design-oriented training technology for young specialists has started to get good results. In early 2009, the first group of students participating in a “Student small satellite” project will have finished its training. The further development of suggested method of specialist training for the JSC “ISS” lies in expanding the circle of participants: students, teachers, specialists of the company as well as the spectrum of specialities involved into business processes of the company. Nowadays, it turned out possible to participate in projects for students and teachers of other universities, geographically outlying from Reshetnev Company, thanks to current information technology. Leading institutes of higher education of our country that have competence in the field of specialists training and space engineering are involved in the Student Small Satellite project. For solving the tasks on the small satellite control and telemetry reception, on the 11th of April 2008, at the Siberian State Aerospace University a Satellite Control Center (SCC) was established. Its main purpose is to control domestic small satellites «Yubileiny», «Mozhayets» and foreign small satellites TUBSAT and BEESAT. Today, at SCC the students are actively trained. They will be handedover with the control of the student satellites. The satellites are being developed by the SST REC specialists. Geographical location of the Krasnoyarsk SCC in the center of Russia significantly increases its importance for similar programs of other Universities, since antennas of the joint student SCC system allow considerably increasing the radio visibility period of LEO satellites. For developing student small satellites and relevant devices a team of talented and keen on space students

was set up. Each of them under supervision of the JSC “ISS” specialists works at one of satellite on-board subsystems. The main goal of that activity is to develop a satellite with mass of 20 kg to celebrate anniversaries of the JSC “ISS” and SIBGAU in 2009. The main tasks of the satellite are: transmission of voice messages, devoted to the 50th anniversary of the JSC “ISS” and the 50th anniversary of Siberian State Aerospace University; support to amateur radio-communication between Universities; acquisition of the Earth images, in particular, of the Krasnoyarsk region, with resolution about 100 meters and development of algorithms for image processing to the benefit of various users; development and field test of electronic components for on-board control subsystem, power supply system, and attitude determination and control subsystem equipment of student’s nano- and pico-class satellites; tests of the separation system elements for perspective satellites developed by the JSC “ISS”. Successful realization of the project on a student’s satellite will allow forming a team of young specialists and scientists, which is able to solve more and more complicated technical tasks. Besides, young people who did a good practical training can transfer their experience to the next generation of students. Moreover, when joining the company, they will need less adaptation period to become a participant of the company activities. Andrey Yakovlev, Head of Sector, Spacecraft & Systems Engineering Department, JSC “ISS” Anton Vlasov, Deputy Director, “Space Systems and Technologies” Research and Educational Center, Siberian State Aerospace University

Te ch no logies

Information Satellite Systems

Recent engineering achievements of the Reshetnev Company On October 21, a field meeting of the Russian Federation Government was held at the JSC “Academician M.F. Reshetnev “Information Satellite Systems” premises. During the meeting, the guests visited a workshop of satellite assembling, where they saw modern and perspective satellites, as well as current technologic achievements, thanks to which the Reshetnev Company manufactures competitive products that meet all requirements of customers.

Radio-absorbing honeycombs

specially for the high guests’ visit, there was deployed an extensive exposition in the workshop, demonstrating current achievements of the space company, including reliable satellites complicated in terms of their design and functional solutions, as well as the current technologies adopted by the JSC “ISS” today. The technologies being implemented will allow decreasing the mass of the today’s satellites, and– increasing their operational life up to 15 years in the future.

Within radiating systems, a foundation is represented by primary honeycomb panels, both surfaces of which are used to accommodate radiators – on one surface, and devices and cables – on the other surface. For this purpose, aluminum honeycomb panels are prohibited to use, since re-reflection of electromagnetic waves from metal base will result in the distortion of frequency amplification dependences and log-periodic antenna feed patterns. In order to exclude the influence of re-reflection on an antenna signal, a radio-absorbing material based on polymeric honeycomb filler with nichrome coating was developed. To reinforce the radio absorbing ability the specialists of the JSC “ISS” used a three-layer composition made of radio-absorbing

Optical solar reflector A large quantity of equipment is installed on current-technology satellites. In order to protect equipment from overheating, it is necessary to ensure the heat rejection into open space. For that purpose, optical solar reflectors are used. They are multilayer composite coatings. At the JSC “ISS” a unique technology on manufacturing optical solar reflectors has been developed. The base is thin radhard glass, the rare surface of which is covered with reflecting silver layer, protective layer of nichrome and special nano-sublayers. The main feature of the composite coating is that it is able to reflect 90% of solar energy, while the coating emission within

the heat range is up to 86%. Today, the Reshetnev Company is the Russian leading manufacturer of solar reflectors having performances in line with the best western products. The technology has been developed according to which a glass is covered with transparent conductive nano-layer, not causing degradation of optical coefficients, but a coating gains conductive performances.

Information Satellite Systems

materials of different cell height and dimensions. There are no similar materials like russian, but foreign analogues with similar radio technical performances have twice as large mass.

Radio-reflecting mesh Advanced foldable antennas require flexible radio-reflecting surface. The specialists of the JSC “ISS” and the Kosygin Moscow Textile University developed special radio-reflecting mesh based on a 15-micron tungsten filament. Mesh has a set of unique mechanical and technical properties: it is light, durable, it does not come down, it is crease-resistant, reshapes after mechanical impacts and ensures geometrical stability of a reflector. The necessary reflection factor

(not less than 98%) is obtained by material engineers thanks to developing a technological gilding process for mesh and segments with dimension of 1.25 x 6.9 m. A technology of gilded mesh cutting and sewing was also developed. It is worth mentioning that no other company in Russia has a technology like that! In the prospects, a technology on gilding 15micron tungsten filament is scheduled to develop for the purpose of knitting a mesh of sufficiently large dimensions to decrease the sewing seams.

Composite materials Composite materials become of greater importance for advanced satellites. In particular, all reflectors are built of composite materials. When in orbit, reflectors are illuminated as per a complicated cyclogram. It is inadmissible to have even micron-level changes of profile. In order to solve the problem of non-uniform illumination,

the specialists of our company developed a transparent reflective coating featuring with three properties, namely, conductivity, solar reflection and radio-transparency. The coating wraps up the face of antenna and reflects nearly whole solar radiation. The specialists of the JSC “ISS” developed a technology of applying the coating both on a single and two surfaces. In terms of performances the coating is in line with the best western products.

Radio transparent thermal control coating With a satellite moving in orbit, the illumination of antenna elements varies. It results in the temperature variations and can cause the deformation of antenna reflectors and emitters. To avoid this, the specialists of the company developed a radio transparent thermal control coating. It combines characteristics of conductivity, solar reflecting and radio transparency, and represents a polyimide film with germanium layers and conductive coating. The shields for reflectors and emitters are produced of that material. Thanks to that, protected elements are not overheated. Radio transparent thermal control coating designed by the company, in terms of its performances is in line with the best western products. The coating can be applied both on a single and two surfaces. Besides, the technology of producing reinforced with double glass fabric, thermal control coating puts into practice.

Flexible foldable tape pin made of polymeric composite material

Some of satellites developed by the JSC “ISS” are equipped with passive magnetic-gravitational attitude and orbit control subsystem designed to ensure an orientation of the satellite longitudinal axis towards the Earth center. The passive means include flexible foldable tape pin, which provides extension of magnetic dumper for the specified length. The tape pin is a pipe with edges gushed over 1800. When in a stowed configuration, a tape pin

unrolls into a tape and then reels. With a satellite injected into the specified orbit, the tape pin reels off and thanks to its profile elasticity, it rolls into a pipe, and moves out a magnetic dumper for a specified length. Today, tape pin is manufactured by UkrNIIMET of 36HXTU springalloy with density of 7,9 g/cm3. To reduce a mass of the structure, a polymeric composite material with density of 1,4 g/cm3 and coefficient of linear thermal expansion of 0,5 × 10-6 1/K was developed by the specialists of our company. The tape pin passed its first flight qualification in space on the “Yubileiny” satellite. The tape pin allows making 50 adjustable movements, with that it keeps its elastic performances for a long time.

Dimension-stable cords and tapes A designer of foldable antennas should find out the answers for two the most important questions: how to create a specified reflector profile and how to retain it in space? To manufacture the forming structure of foldable reflectors and to ensure high accuracy of the profile of reflector surface, the specialists of the company developed high-module dimension-stable cords and tapes. Due to composite materials used, they combine flexibility, high transparency, low coefficient of linear thermal expansion at the level of carbon-plastic, absence of creep when being loaded within a wide temperature range, as well as high radiation hardness.

All demonstrated technological achievements of the enterprise confirmed once again that the JSC “Academician M.F. Reshetnev “Information Satellite Systems” is in the vanguard of domestic satellite building industry. But the specialists are not going to stop halfway. They go on searching and implementing new technological solutions that will get a real application in satellites built by the company. Valery MIRONOVICH, Head of Materials Department, JSC “ISS”

Te ch nologies

Information Satellite Systems

The use of honeycomb panels for advanced satellites For complicated space products to be competitive and meet the current requirements of the market, new technologies shall be implemented and improved. The specialists of the JSC “Academician M.F. Reshetnev “Information Satellite Systems” always cope successfully with the task. One of the most wellknown and significant technologies developed by the company in 1990’s is production of honeycomb panels. F. Sinkovsky, Head of Spacecraft and PLM Design Department told us in details about unique developments, and E. Patrayev, Head of Spacecraft Structure Assembly Workshop tells about how these developments are being implemented.

Light and strong The idea and principles of honeycomb structures was derived by the satellite builders from aviation. In modern airplanes the honeycomb panels are used to produce wings, parts of fuselage and interior. At first sight, these are not complicated structures because in standard implementation they are aluminum skins and honeycomb filler made of aluminum foil. They are gathered in so called “sandwich-pack” and strengthened with

help of special glue. These “sandwichpacks” are completed with inserts allowing to fix both equipment and different structural elements. Besides aluminum alloys, other materials such as carbon plastic, organoplastic (for skins), polymeric honeycomb plastic (for honeycomb fillers) are also used. The structures made of these materials match for use for satellites, since they have small mass, high strength and rigidity.

Three types of honeycombs for satellites are manufactured by the JSC “ISS”. Firstly, load-bearing honeycomb panels that are used in the primary structure of a satellite. Secondly, the thermal control honeycomb panels with embedded liquid loops and/or heat pipes. Thirdly, special honeycomb panels manufactured of non-metal materials to be used for different purposes, for example for antenna assemblies. In most cases, combined honeycomb panels (load-bearing panels and thermal control panels) are used for satellite primary structures. With that, on one hand, they ensure mechanical support and protection against environmental impacts to all satellite subsystems at all stages of the satellite life, starting with ground tests and up to in-orbit operation; and on the other hand, they ensure a thermal mode required for devices installed on the honeycomb panels.

First steps The JSC “ISS” started to manufacture honeycombs at the end of 1990’s. For the first time, a prototype of honeycomb structures was used for “GalsR16” communications satellite (payload baseplate), which unfortunately was never launched into space. The incitement to develop unique production was the SESAT satellite

Information Satellite Systems

- the first international project of the Reshetnev Company. The satellite was completed with the Payload Module structure manufactured of honeycomb panels subcontracted by the Spanish company CASA, known for its vast experience in designing, manufacturing and delivering honeycomb satellite structures for many European customers. The JSC “ISS” – at that time NPO PM – was responsible for the fluid loop, which was installed on the PLM baseplate. At that very time, the specialists of the company found out what a honeycomb panel was. For our company, the turningpoint in the honeycomb panel production was the conclusion of the contract for procurement of “Express-AM” satellites. According to the contract, two foreign companies Thales Alenia Space (former Alcatel Alenia Space) from France, and NEC/ Toshiba Space of Japan were selected as subcontractors for payload modules. Initially, Thales Alenia Space intended to award a PLM structure contract to the well-known Spanish company CASA. Despite such a serious competitor, our company also positioned itself as a bidder for the same contract by proposing a proprietary design and technology of embedded fluid loop. The experts of the French company carried out an audit of NPO PM and found out that the enterprise

is able to produce the structure with required quality and within specified time limits. The embedded fluid loop technology had a lot of advantages comparing to the technology of external arrangements employed for the SESAT satellite. Such a solution allowed installing devices directly onto the smooth and flat surface, thus ensuring less constraints for the repeater equipment accommodation. To implement this project, the company had to establish a new specialized working bay to manufacture honeycomb panels. This bay was established within shortest possible

time in early 2001. With the first PLM structures (“Express-22”, “Express-3”), new technological processes were mastered; the production lines were expanded and improved, including a dedicated oven and socalled “clean rooms”. Also gluing technology, honeycomb filler technology, inserts installation and structure assembly technology were tested and improved. Today, the honeycomb structures are the significant portion of the ISS’s production outputs, constantly being improved and expanded. For this purpose, advanced equipment is purchased and commissioned, in-

Information Satellite Systems

cluding computer numeric control machining stations. For the past years more than 25 types of platform structures and payload modules were designed on the base of that technology. Many years’ experience allows the enterprise to realize the tasks in the shortest possible time. For example, the payload module structure of the “ExpressAM33” satellite was manufactured just within 9,5 months.

Dimensions / Workmanship accuracy

New stage of development This year a new stage started at the JSC “ISS”: the enterprise has initiated the production of largedimension honeycomb structures. If previously the maximum length of honeycomb panels manufactured by the Reshetnev Company did not exceed 3 m, then now, due to creating a new unique working bay in the satellite structure assembly workshop, they have dimensions up to 3,5 - 5,5 m. Such a need is stipulated by an objective tendency of the market, in particular, advanced satellites, especially communication ones, are largedimensioned since they have to carry a great number of transponders, have high power and long lifetime. The specialists of the company designed all accessory and new highperformance equipment for the working bay. At that, the production was started in very short time, which was a little longer than 3 months. The first large-dimension honeycomb structures developed by the JSC “ISS” are designed for the development model of a perspective platform “Express-2000”, which will be the basic one for a series of advanced heavy satellites. Today, the Reshetnev Company is busy with developing multi-layer honeycomb structures. For the present, the elements of thermal control sys-

tem are not installed on them, but it will be done in the future. Multi-layer honeycombs with carbon-plastic skins were already used in antenna systems manufactured by the JSC “ISS”, and recently the manufacturing of structures with aluminum skins has begun. They have relatively small specific weight and high strength, thus allowing accommodation of sufficiently heavy elements on small surfaces. In turn, it helps to greatly decrease the total mass of a satellite. In the future, the JSC “ISS” will develop the honeycomb structure production. The honeycomb panels will be used for all perspective satellites of the JSC “ISS”, not only for telecommunication ones as before. They are expected to be the base for the primary structures of the «Glonass-K», «Loutch-5А/5B», AMOS 5 satellites and many others that shall have to be developed by the Reshetnev Company. Besides, the JSC “ISS” is ready to produce honeycombs by orders of domestic and foreign satellite manufacturers, to equip the structures with various elements as per the customers’ need, and to perform ground experimental tests.

skin thickness (aluminum alloy): 0.3 – 0.8 mm maximum dimensions of a single honeycomb panel: 5500 × 3000 mm; accuracy of liquid loop (heat pipes) accommodation: ± 1 mm; insert location accuracy (equipment and structural inserts): ± 0.1 mm; panel flatness: less than 0.1 mm over 100 mm, but not more than 1.5 mm for the entire surface; panel surface roughness Ra: ≤ 3.2; insert recess (equipment and structural inserts): not more than 0.07 mm; all insert projection (equipment and structural inserts): is not allowed

Honeycomb panel tests

Every honeycomb panel shall be tested in order to verify the workmanship: ultrasonic check of starved spots between a honeycomb filler and a skin; check of 100% inserts by applying loads in the vertical direction; check of contact resistance between grounding inserts and skins (if required); control of heaters electrical characteristics (including insulation); thermo cycling and out-gassing; acceptance vibration tests; leakage test.

Additional options

As additional options, the honeycomb panels of the JSC “ISS” can be equipped with the following: optical coating (OSR; Teflon); film electro heaters; bondings; coating-free zones; zones covered with black and white paint; thermistors; hook-like / stitch tape of Velcro type (“sticker”).

T e ch nica l r e e qu ip men t

Информационные спутниковые системы

Building the future Since early 2008, the JSC “Academician M.F. Reshetnev “Information Satellite System” is busy with the major construction of a new building. These erection activities are performed within the frame of reconstruction of the whole production facilities for large-dimension foldable structures. The activity is of great importance for successful future of the JSC “ISS” and its economical stability. Unique capabilities of the building under construction will allow the company to manufacture competitive products and to be in front line in the world missile-space industry.

Project Construction of a new building is being carried out in the frame of the company reconstruction and technical reequipment with the purpose of creating working areas for assembling and testing largedimension mechanical systems. The project was approved by Roscosmos in March 2005. Since that

moment, our specialists started to develop the program of modernization of the production facilities for large-dimension foldable structures. Many variants of solving the tasks imposed by the Federal Space Agency were considered. One of them was reconstruction of existing antenna assembly building by adding the height due to topping of dome structure and by some other

changes. However, because of significant structural difficulties the idea was rejected. Many variants were rejected as well because of unfeasibility of some tasks and due to difficulties in agreement of operating documentation. As a result, a decision on constructing a new building was made. The only outstanding point was to determine dimensions and design of the building. For that purpose the specialists of the JSC “ISS” addressed enterprises specializing in designing structural metalware. One of them, Close Corporation “N.P. Melnikov “Central Research and Design Institute” (Moscow), by that period had finished the work on designing a sports facility with the body, in terms of its dimensions, meeting the requirements imposed to a new building for assembling large-dimension mechanical systems. This project was taken as basis for the antenna facilities, thus significantly reducing the scheduled time for design docu-

Te ch nical re equipment

Information Satellite Systems

mentation. Besides “N.P. Melnikov “Central Research and Design Institute”, the main developers of the object are also the JSC “Ipromashprom” (Moscow), the JSC “Sibpromproekt” (Zheleznogorsk) and others.

Unique facility The facility is unique by its body, which is a ribbed-circular dome, i.e., load-bearing structure is made of ribs-arches connected with upper and lower rings. The new building for assembling largedimension mechanical systems, in the projection, is a polygonal inscribed into a circle with advanced of 72 meters. Maximum height of the building is 35 meters. The building is erected of modern constructional materials. So, the outside finishing of the building will be done of sandwich panels, and the interior furnishing will be done of aluminum composite panels. The dome-shaped roof is planned to be manufactured of polymeric membrane. Two supply units will be used to ensure power supply. The facility shall meet the seismic stability requirements. Its microclimate should meet some parameters, such as thermal mode stability, humidity and air cleanliness. They are supposed to be controlled within the “clean rooms”. In addition, the personnel involved, equipment and materials used will pass through air-locking system in order to prevent contamination. Today, one of the main design tasks of large-dimension foldable systems is solving problems occurring at their deployment in space. Thus, the most important feature of the new facility will be the capability to perform 0-g test of me-

chanical structures. For that purpose, the specialists of Mechanical Test Department develop a dedicated multi-purpose 0-g system, which will allow testing antenna reflectors and solar arrays different in their dimensions and mass. The area of the new facility is designed to work with several largedimension mechanical systems simultaneously; as a result it will reduce the production period. All large-dimension foldable structure production capabilities being combined at the same area will accelerate space production rates. In addition, other facilities (e.g. assembly facilities) can be developed there. For the period from 2005 to 2007, the builders did a deal of works for more than 200 million rubles assigned from the state budget; at antenna assembly area the reconstruction of existing antenna test complex was finished and all required operating documentation was completed. The foundation was built this year, and themetal frame of the future building was completely produced and assembled. Exterior and interior wall lining of the building, as well as construction of a lobby is planned to be completed in 2009.

Prospects The main products expected to be manufactured and tested at new building’s facilities, are large-dimension foldable mechanical systems including antenna reflectors, solar arrays, sliding truss rods and so on. This activity is of the strategic importance for the company and has to increase competitive ability of the company’s products at the international market. Today, the definitive require-

ment imposed to designing foldable mechanical systems is a tendency to enlarge their dimensions. It is explained by the fact that the combination of large-dimension powerful solar arrays and big reflectors accommodated on a satellite allows to provide not only qualitative communications, but also to reduce its price. Of course, for designing, development and test of these large structures vast working areas are required. Such as the new building, which will allow to manufacture products of larger size. For example, today the company produces solar arrays with area of 60 m2, but with the new building commissioned, this value will be doubled, therefore it will allow increasing satellite power resources, enlarge the functions and extend its lifetime. Capabilities of the new building will allow the specialists of the company to scale up dimensions of reflectors for satellite antennas. Quality of communications and possibility to dispense with ground operators directly depends on dimensions of reflectors. In addition to production and economical prospects such a production expansion also has a social implication. Today the demand in technical specialists to work in the new building is predicted, that’s why it is necessary to recruit and train new specialists. The specialists note that working areas available now are enough for realizing plans of the company within the next few years. However, in 2012, in order to keep abreast of current technology, our company should start manufacturing properly sized products. By that time, the new facility will be completed and equipped with new instrumentation and equipment.

Информационные спутниковые системы