The communication satellite "Yamal": the new technological approach in creating the communication satellites in Russia

The new satellite communication system "Yamal" based on geostationary satellites is created by the joint-stock company GAZCOM for the gas industry and other customers. The communication satellite "Yamal" is the main element of the system space segment. The "Yamal" system includes two standard communication satellites: the western satellite in a 19.5/spl deg/W orbital position and the eastern satellite in a 75/spl deg/E orbital position. The paper present the main characteristics of the standard communication satellite of the "Yamal" system.