Space: Science and technology: Lenta.ru
The production of the first satellite of the Skif system has begun in Russia, which, like its competitors, Starlink and OneWeb, reports that it is for broadband Internet access. RIA News, referring to the materials of the manufacturer – “Information Satellite Systems” (ISS).
The corresponding spacecraft was named “Skif-D”.
It is noted that “Skif” will enter the multifunctional satellite system “Sphere”.
According to plans, the Skif system will have 12 spacecraft in orbit at an altitude of 8070 kilometers.
In August, the general director of Roscosmos Dmitry Rogozin said that the state corporation will receive the first funds for the scientific and technical reserve under the Sphere program in the coming days. “At first, we are talking about seven billion rubles, which should be implemented to create a scientific and technical reserve, that is, not the group itself, but prototypes of the grouping,” said the manager.
In June, during the St. Petersburg International Space Forum, the General Director announced the implementation of the Russian Russian Sphere program will cost 800 billion rubles, of which 500 billion are extra-budgetary funds.
In the same month, ISS Deputy General Designer Alexander Kuzovnikov said at the XIV International Navigation Forum in Moscow TASSthat the first demonstration satellite of the Skif system was launched in the fall of 2022.