Gascom To Launch 4 Smotr Low-Orbit Remote Sensing Satellites

Illustration of Smotr spacecraft 1 with high-resolution payload. image credit: RSC Energia

by Staff Writers
Moscow (RIA Novosti) Feb 08, 2007
The telecommunications arm of Russian energy giant Gazprom intends to launch four low-orbit satellites for remote sensing of the Earth, Gascom's general director said Wednesday. Dmitry Sevastyanov said the Smotr satellites will make it possible to receive more precise information about any environmental disasters, and to solve various other tasks. He said Gascom is currently analyzing a feasibility study for the project.

"The main task of the system is space monitoring of Gazprom's infrastructure. The satellites will monitor the condition of pipelines, and will help in resource exploration. Also, Smotr will make the system of land use, cadastral registration, emergency monitoring and environmental damage assessment more efficient," he said.

Gascom also plans to develop its existing satellite communications and TV system, Yamal, into a full-scale space information system.

Gazcom currently has three Yamal telecommunication satellites, designed and built jointly with the Energia space corporation. The satellites are used to transmit over 60 Russian and foreign television channels, and are also used by the Defense, Nuclear Energy, and Education Ministries.

Gascom was founded in 1992. Its shareholders are Gazprom, space corporation Energia and Gazprombank. Currently, Gazprom accounts for 17% of the use of Gazcom's services. Government structures use 10%, corporate and commercial service providers 51%, and commercial television companies 22%.

Gascom receives a fourth of its revenue from services on the international market.

Source: RIA Novosti

EARTH OBSERVATION

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