Tyulpan Comsat
Spacecraft · Russia
Original archive entry. The text, images and links below are kept as they were written.
Russian communications satellite. By 1994 Lavochkin's Tyulpan system was promoted more heavily than its earlier Nord system.
Retaining several Nord system characteristics, the Tyulpan network would employ 2,400-2,600 kg spacecraft of a different design.
The two solar arrays would generate up to 1.5 kW, and ion engines would perform attitude control and orbit maintenance functions. The 670-kg payload was to include C-band and Ku-band transponders. Six spacecraft were needed for the Tyulpan network, which maximized the 8-hour visibility of each spacecraft by coordinating the operation of the C-band and Ku-band transponders. The C-band transponder, with steerable antennas, could be used at lower altitudes, whereas the Ku-band transponder would primarily operate with fixed antennas near a apogee.
Electric System: 1.50 average kW.
Related
- Family
- Communications, Molniya orbit
- Country
- Russia
- Agency
- Lavochkin bureau