The multifunctional space relay system (MSRS) "Loutch" (operator - JSC "Satellite System "Gonets") has fulfilled the tasks of providing a coherent launch from the Baikonur cosmodrome.
On Thursday, July 7, 2016, at 04:36:40 Moscow time, the Soyuz MS transport manned spacecraft with a crew of three cosmonauts on board successfully launched from pl.1 of the cosmodrome to the International Space Station (ISS). The docking is scheduled in two days – on July 9.
Already at the beginning of the flight on the morning of July 7, the Loutch system performed four communication sessions using the equipment of the unified command and telemetry system (ECTS-TS), during which it successfully and fully provided a relay mode of operation for issuing one-time commands, collecting telemetric and diagnostic information.
For this purpose, the relay channels of the Loutch-5B (16 deg. w.d.) and Luch-5V (95 deg.w.d.) repeaters were used.
During the further flight of the Soyuz MS TPC, MSRS "Loutch" will continue to perform the planned communication sessions.
In addition to the traditional transmission of telemetry fMSRS "Loutch", the system has all the technical capabilities to implement audio and video communication with the crews of manned spacecraft, which will be possible in the near future when installing ECTS modules on board the launched ships with additional personal communication functionality. As a result, the potential of the MSRS "Loutch" to provide retransmission services from spacecraft will be fully realized.
MSRS "Loutch", the space segment of which currently consists of 3 geostationary repeaters of the "Loutch-5" series, was put into regular operation in December 2015. From this moment of entry, the system is regularly used for transmitting telemetry data during launch of launch vehicles, as well as for complex communication support at launch sites.
MSRS "Loutch", is designed to provide communication with manned and automated low-orbit space technology objects moving, among other things, outside the radio visibility zones from the territory of Russia, including the Russian segment of the ISS. The system allows you to solve the tasks of receiving and transmitting signals from the beacons of the international search and rescue system COSPAS-SARSAT, collecting and transmitting data from the stations of Roshydromet, relaying signals to consumers of the GLONASS navigation system, providing teleconferences and teleconferences between peripheral mobile stations and telecentres, providing relay services and Internet access channels at spaceports and other strategic facilities at any point.
Launch of TMSC "Soyuz MS" Photo: TASS
