Gonets Satellite System: Orbital Group and Terminal Specifications
The Gonets system is a specialized satellite network designed to facilitate direct communication with subscribers across any point of the globe. By maintaining a strategic orbital group, the system ensures that data can be transmitted and received regardless of the user's geographic location, providing a critical link for global connectivity.
Orbital Group Composition and Expansion
As of 2016, the Gonets orbital group consisted of 26 spacecraft: 25 second-generation Gonets-M satellites and one first-generation Gonets-D1 satellite. This constellation is engineered to provide consistent coverage and manageable waiting times for users worldwide.
To further enhance the system's capabilities, the network is slated for expansion. Three additional Gonets-M satellites are scheduled for launch in 2022. These will be deployed using an Angara-1.2 launcher departing from the Plesetsk cosmodrome.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Constellation Size: 26 satellites (25 Gonets-M and 1 Gonets-D1) as of 2016.
- Global Reach: Capable of direct communication with subscribers at any point on Earth.
- Future Growth: Three more Gonets-M satellites planned for 2022 via Angara-1.2 launcher.
- Terminal Weight: Compact hardware weighing between 100 and 300 grams.
- Frequency Range: Subscriber terminals operate within the 0.3–0.4 GHz band.
Communication Performance and Waiting Times
The efficiency of the Gonets system is measured by the waiting time—the duration a subscriber must wait before a communication session can be established. This performance varies based on the latitude of the user and the required session probability (the likelihood that a connection will be successfully established).
| Location (Example City) | Latitude | Waiting Time (Prob = 0.9) | Waiting Time (Prob = 0.8) | Waiting Time (Prob = 0.7) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meru, Kenya | 0° | 25.04 min | 19.98 min | 13.54 min |
| Fuli, Vietnam / Vitoria, Brazil | 20° / −20° | 19.47 min | 14.97 min | 8.85 min |
| Yerevan, Armenia / Wellington, New Zealand | 40° / −40° | 17.79 min | 12.04 min | 6.08 min |
| Belgorod, Russia / Isla Duque de York, Chile | 50° / −50° | 15.00 min | 8.19 min | 2.17 min |
| Vyborg, Russia / Orcadas Antarctic Station | 60° / −60° | 5.64 min | 1.78 min | 0.00 min |
| Kara Gate Straight / Novolazarevskaya Station | 70° / −70° | 3.45 min | 0.00 min | 0.00 min |
| Gall Island / Antarctic Kunlun Station | 80° / −80° | 0.00 min | 0.00 min | 0.00 min |
| North Pole / Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station | 90° / −90° | 0.00 min | 0.00 min | 0.00 min |
Subscriber Terminal Technical Specifications
The hardware used by subscribers is designed for portability and efficiency, operating in the 0.3–0.4 GHz frequency range. These terminals utilize GMSK (Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying), a type of continuous-phase frequency-shift keying used to reduce spectral bandwidth.
Hardware and Power
- Transmitter Power: 8–10 W
- Power Supply: Supports both AC 220 V and DC 12 V
- Weight: 100–300 g
- Positioning: Accuracy up to 10 m using GPS/GLONASS
Data Transfer Rates
The system employs asymmetrical bitrates to optimize communication between the ground and the orbital group:
- Subscriber to Satellite: 2.4–9.6 kbit/s
- Satellite to Subscriber: 9.6–76.8 kbit/s
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current composition of the Gonets orbital group?
As of 2016, the group consists of 25 second-generation Gonets-M satellites and one first-generation Gonets-D1 satellite.
How does latitude affect the waiting time for a session?
Waiting times generally decrease as the latitude increases toward the poles. For example, at 0° latitude, the waiting time for a 0.9 probability session is 25.04 minutes, whereas it drops to 0.00 minutes at the poles.
What are the data transmission speeds for Gonets terminals?
The upload speed (Subscriber to Satellite) ranges from 2.4 to 9.6 kbit/s, while the download speed (Satellite to Subscriber) is significantly higher, ranging from 9.6 to 76.8 kbit/s.
What modulation technique do the subscriber terminals use?
The terminals use GMSK (Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying) modulation.
How accurate is the positioning for Gonets subscriber terminals?
The terminals achieve a positioning accuracy of up to 10 meters using GPS/GLONASS systems.