References

284. W. Griethe and P. Kunigk, "The Multi-Purpose Satellite System Elekon", Elbe Space and Dresden GmbH, 1995.
285. "The Elekon System", brochure and supporting documents from Elbe Space and Technology Dresden GmbH. 1995.
286. V. Cheremisin, et al, "'Tsikada-M-UTTH' Multi-Purposes Satellite System", undated paper.
Adapted from: Europe and Asia in Space 1993-1994, Nicholas Johnson and David Rodvold [Kaman Sciences / Air Force Phillips Laboratory]

Elekon

The final LEO system, which is already far along in development, is actually a hybrid communications-navigation system called Elekon. With a team of Science and Technology International of Russia (STIR) and Elbe Space and Technology of Dresden, Germany, the Elekon program seeks to replace the existing two Russian LEO navigation systems and at the same time implement a low-cost vehicle/container tracking and messaging network. The latter payload consists of L-band, S-band, and C-band transponders which will operate from a 900-kg platform orbiting the Earth at an altitude of 1,150 km (Figure 4.32). The constellation will use seven spacecraft in different orbital planes and with an expected lifetime of 3-5 years. An Elekon payload was tested inorbit on the GEO-IK 1 satellite (launched 29 November 1994). The first operational vehicle was not scheduled for launch until the latter part of 1995 at the earliest (References 284-286).

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list