Third generation - MKSR Luch Constellation Luch (satellite)

originally, during 2009, russian federal space agency signed contract jsc information satellite systems (previously npo-pm ) development of new generation of satellites, luch-4, luch-5a , luch-5b. enable rebuild luch network , provide ros 45 minutes of coverage per orbit via lira , regul communications systems. luch-4 based on heavier ekspress-2000 satellite platform, while luch-5a , luch-5b based on lighter ekspress-1000 , fly companion satellites on proton-m/briz-m. plan suspended , mksr luch constellation defined. deleted heavier , more expensive luch-4 , added twin of luch-5a, luch-5v. 3 orbital position used system 95° east on indian ocean, 16° west, on atlantic ocean , 167° east on pacific ocean. positions assigned luch-5v, luch-5b , luch-5a respectively.

luch 5a arrived baikonur on november 10, 2011, , launched on december 11, 2011 along amos-5. luch 5b went through vacuum thermal testing during may 2012 , launched on november 3, 2012 along yamal-300k. luch 5v launched on april 28, 2014 along kazsat-3.

during 2013 military communication satellite identified both luch , olymp, , later named olymp-k, manifested fly on proton-m. launched on proton-m/briz-m on september 28, 2014. known based on usp platform, designed 15-year life on geo, have laser communications terminal, use hall thrusters , considered have sigint payload.

on 9 october 2015, spacenews.com reported in april 2015, olymp-k had moved within 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) of intelsat communications spacecraft intelsat 901 , nearby intelsat 7, causing concerns of safety-of-flight incident. attempts intelsat contact russian satellite s operators not successful, , no reason satellite s movement given russian government. move sparked classified meetings within department of defense.

the luch-4 speculated have mutated yenisey a1. demonstration spacecraft new technologies, particularly large diameter unfurlable antenna reflectors , use of electric propulsion orbit raising maneuvers.

the new progress-ms , soyuz-ms have unified command telemetry system (ucts) make extensive use of luch , glonass networks have real-time telemetry , control of spacecraft when not overflying ground radio station.