The first satellite from the Express-RV group is scheduled for launch in 2026, a year later than previously planned. This was announced by Alexey Volin, General Director of the state enterprise "Space Communications," at the plenary session of the SATCOMRUS 2024 conference.
JSC "Reshetnev," part of Roscosmos, has completed the technical design of the Express-RV satellite communication system as part of the "Sphere" project. This group will consist of four satellites that will operate in highly elliptical orbits in four different planes. Each device will be equipped with equipment to operate in three frequency bands, including 12 Ku-band antennas, which will allow them to track service areas in real time.
Previously, the launch of the first Express-RV satellite was scheduled for October 2025, with the deployment of the full orbital constellation in 2026. The "Sphere" project includes the creation of more than 600 satellites, including satellites for Earth observation. The first spacecraft, Skif-D, was launched on October 22, 2022, and will allow testing of technologies for providing broadband Internet access throughout Russia.
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