Gals (satellite)

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The Gals satellites ( GRAU index 17F71) were two Russian broadcast satellites . They were the predecessors of today's Express - satellite .

technology

The first Gals television satellite was originally supposed to go into operation in December 1990, but did not start until 1994. It was the first Russian geosynchronous communications satellite of newer generations. By the NPO PM designed and built spacecraft used the new MSS 2500 - satellite bus . The innovations were in the area of ​​electrical power, position retention and service life.

The first satellite in this series, Gals-1, tested the Russian SPT-100 engine developed by the Fabel Bureau . This new attitude control system was manufactured in cooperation with the French Société européenne de propulsion (SEP) and the US company Space Systems / Loral . Both Gals satellites were equipped with a total of eight of these engines.

Two deployable solar panels with a total power of 2.4 kW provided the three Ku-band - Transponderm (a 40-W-unit and two 80 W) the current required. The satellites measured 4.1 mx 6.6 m and had a solar panel span of 21 m. The planned lifespan was 5–7 years and the weight was 2,500 kg per satellite.

Positions

Like most Russian geostationary satellites, Gals-1 was launched into geostationary orbit near 90 degrees east. A westerly drift was later assigned to allow the satellite to reach 44 degrees east by early February 1994. After a test, problems with one of the three transponders were found, which is why Gals-1 was unexpectedly relocated to the position 71 ° East in June of the same year. From this point on he no longer sent to Russia, but to China and Taiwan . Gals-1 stayed at 71 degrees East for the rest of his working hours.

Other satellites not started

A total of three development stages of the Gals spacecraft were planned. The first series was the normal Gals series. The Gals-R series could have had a fourth transponder and could have covered a larger space. The variants Gals-R6 and Gals-R12 should have 6 or 12 transponders with them. The first launch of a Gals-R satellite has been tentatively scheduled for 1996. Two Gals R-Class spacecraft were reportedly ordered by a Chinese company for launches in 1998. None of these Gals variants were launched.

The satellites

Surname COSPAR ID Start date ( UTC ) Launcher Launch site
Gals-1 or Gals-11L 1994-002A Jan. 20, 1994 Proton-K / Blok-DM-2M Baikonur 81/23
Gals-2 or Gals-12L 1995-063A Nov 17, 1995 Proton-K / Blok-DM-2 Baikonur 200/39

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