Gorizont
Gorizont
Russian satellite series, began 1978
Gorizont (Russian: Горизонт, Horizont), GRAU index 11F662, is a series of 35 Russian, previously Soviet, geosynchronous communications satellites launched between 1978 and 2000. The programme was started in order to develop a satellite system to relay coverage of the 1980 Olympic Games from Moscow. The first four satellites were originally launched for this sole purpose.[1] Following this, the Gorizont system was integrated into the YeSSS Unified Satellite Communication System,[1] and used to relay both civilian and military communications. From 1988 onwards, the satellites were also used in support of the Okean programme.[1]
Gorizont satellites are based on the KAUR-3 satellite bus, which provides three-axis stabilisation, and liquid manoeuvring engines.[1] The constellation was replaced by the Ekspress constellation. The first satellite Gorizont-11L was launched on 19 December 1978 and the last satellite launched was Gorizont No.45L on 6 June 2000.