Raduga

A series of Soviet communications satellites in geostationary orbit stationed at either 35° or 85° E; their name means "rainbow." Some Radugas are dedicated to military use; others support national and internal communications. Several dozen of these satellites have been launched since 1975.

On July 5, 1999, the Proton launch vehicle carrying a military Raduga exploded after liftoff scattering debris near Karaganda. As a result of this accident the Kazakh government suspended launches from Baikonur pending Russian agreement to pay back part of the rent it owed. Raduga satellites are known internationally as Statsionar.

Related category

• SATELLITES AND SPACE PROBES

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Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living
Encyclopedia of History

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