Telkom 1 went to orbit alone
Indonesian Telkom 1 comsat was launched August 12 from Kourou by Ariane 42P. Next European launch slipped to the beginning of September. |
 Nineth Globalstar quartet in orbit
With 36 low-orbit satellites already in orbit, Globalstar L.P. is supposed to start limited operations of its communications system in September. Eight orbital planes contain 4 to 6 satellites because one launch delivered Globalstars in three different planes. |
 Kosmos 2365 in orbit
Russian photo reconnaisance satellite Kosmos 2365 was launched August 18, thought to be of Yantar-4K2 series. Detailed report on pre-launch preparations in Plesetsk is given, as well as overview of Russian 'fourth generation' satellites. Kosmos 2365 (code name Kobalt) mission is expected to end in December. |
 New Parus over the planet
On August 26, Russian military low-orbit navigation satellite Kosmos 2366 (Parus) was launched from Plesetsk to the 3rd orbital plane of the Tsiklon-B communications and navigation system. Kosmos 2366 will replace older satellites Kosmos 2218 (launched in 1992) and Kosmos 2154 (1991). In the article, overview of the development of Tsiklon and Tsiklon-B systems is given. |
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