The Development and Deployment of Soviet Geosynchronous Satellites

Geosynchronous satellites are rapidly assuming a significant portion of the Soviet space-based communications network. These satellites currently fulfill domestic and international telephone, telegraph and television requirements. Soviet geosynchronous satellites are launched under very strict and consistent guidelines which facilitate the launch sequence and maximize the potential operational lifetimes of the satellites. Inoperable or spent satellites are routinely removed from the highly populated geosynchronous regime. A major expansion of the current Soviet geosynchronous constellation is being planned, although deployment dates have slipped several years.