Russian satellite communications systems. Status and developments

The author examines the current status of satellite communications systems in Russia, those in operation, planned and under development. The summary absorbs his own longtime experience with Russian and International satellite communications and navigation systems and inference of his recent talks with prominent Russian figures representing the space and telecommunications industries, telecommunications administrations, commercial and state systems operators and services providers during the international conferences in Russia in April 1993. The review provides his personal view of the russian space and communications programmes.