| Signal | ||
The RKK Energia and Polyot PO teamed up with other industries to propose the Signal constellation of low earth orbit communications satellites. Up to 48 of these 310-kg spacecraft (12 satellites in each of four orbital planes) were to fly at altitudes of 1,500 km with inclinations of 74 degrees. Launches would be conducted either by Kosmos-2 boosters with two spacecraft or by Tsyklon-3 boosters with six spacecraft. The long and narrow spacecraft would have a payload capacity of 70 kg and a design lifetime of six years. The design included UHF, L-band, and Ku- band transponders. Like several of its competitors, Signal suffered program delays, and the launch of the first prototype spacecraft slipped until at least 1995. It then slipped from sight. Mass: 310 kg (680 lb). Payload: 70 kg (154 lb).
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