MOSCOW. Jan 21 (Interfax-AVN) - The flight tests of two Gonets-M communication satellites launched in July 2012 will be completed by the beginning of 2014, Dmitry Bakanov, president of the operator company Gonets Satellite System, announced.
"There should be at least six Gonets-M satellites in orbit to complete the tests. The launch of three more such satellites is planned for 2013 which will permit us completing flight tests and switching the satellites to pilot operation mode as of 2014," he said to Interfax-AVN.
He said the system will go into regular operation after the full fleet of 12 satellites is formed.
Gonets Satellite System is the lead organization responsible for Gonets System design launch and operation. Gonets LEO (Low-Earth Orbiting) System is global data relay system comprised of LEO satellites, low-cost gateway stations and a fleet of highly portable subscriber terminals operating in the interests of the state and commercial users.