The multifunctional space relay system «Luch», created by the company «RESHEТNEV» (part of Roscosmos), successfully copes with key tasks in providing communication and control of space flights. In 2025, the system provided control over the launches of the ships «Progress MS-30» and «Soyuz MS-27».
The task of relay satellites is to transmit important information between spacecraft and ground control stations. Their role is especially important during flights to the International Space Station (ISS) — they provide communication where ground stations cannot «reach» the ships.
When a spacecraft flies over the Earth, ground stations can communicate directly with it. But when the ship is on the side of the planet where it is not visible from Earth, the «Luch» satellites come to the rescue. They intercept the signal from the ship and transmit it to Earth, and then send the response back into space.
The «Luch-5» satellites have become a reliable communication channel between cosmonauts on the Russian segment of the ISS and the Mission Control Center. They also help monitor the condition of ships, transmitting special readings to Earth — telemetry information.
The system is not limited to space communications only. It actively participates in the work of the international COSPAS-SARSAT search and rescue system, receiving signals from emergency radio beacons. In addition, «Luch» helps transmit data from Roshydromet meteorological stations.
Read more on the topic:
«RESHEТNEV» told about the participation of its «Luch» in the launch of the «Angara-A5» rocket
Roscosmos is starting to assemble antennas for a new relay satellite
Lightweight and reliable: «Reshetnev» presented a unique drive for small satellites
