In a landmark achievement, Russia has successfully implemented satellite-based drone control technology, marking a significant advancement in both military and civilian UAV operations. The Gonets Satellite System company, in collaboration with Geoscan, has pioneered this technology, setting a new precedent for remote drone management via space satellites. This breakthrough was officially announced by Roscosmos, the Russian state space corporation.
The Groundbreaking Experiment
The innovative experiment, a collaborative effort between Gonets Satellite System and Geoscan, was conducted at the Archipelago-2024 design and educational intensive in the Sakhalin Region. The primary objective was to establish a reliable communication link between drones and the Gonets satellite system. During the tests, critical location data and telemetry information from the drone were successfully transmitted to the Gonets satellite system’s data center. Furthermore, the experiment demonstrated the capability to send commands from the ground control station to the drone via satellite, including commands to forcibly return the UAV to its launch site.
Technical Specifications and Test Details
The experimental setup featured the Geoscan 201 drone, equipped with an experimental on-board Gonets modem and antenna in a lightweight form factor. The tests were meticulously conducted at the Pushisty airfield from July 13 to 16, during which a total of six flights were performed. The primary focus was to evaluate the system’s ability to establish communication links, transmit telemetry data from the drone to the Gonets-M spacecraft, and relay commands from the ground control station back to the drone.
Image : Geoscan 201 drone
Future Applications and Implications
This technology promises extensive applications, particularly in scenarios where traditional communication channels are unavailable. By leveraging satellite communication, drones can operate in remote or challenging environments, ensuring continuous data transmission and command capabilities. This innovation is poised to enhance various sectors, including surveillance, disaster management, and remote sensing.
Russia’s Advancements in Military Drone Technology
Russia’s focus on advancing its drone technology extends beyond satellite communication. Recently, the country unveiled the Vogan-9SP disposable drone, designed to intercept enemy UAVs. This drone, equipped with an explosive warhead, is a testament to Russia’s commitment to modernizing its military capabilities.
Vogan-9SP: A New Era in Drone Interception
Developed by the Red Line company, the Vogan-9SP drone was showcased at the ‘Technologies of UAV Detection and Countermeasures’ conference in St. Petersburg on July 1-2. This quadcopter-type drone can achieve speeds of approximately 200 km/h and operates in conjunction with a radar station and laser targeting system. Upon detecting a target, the drone is launched from a 45-degree angle and autonomously navigates towards the target before detonating its warhead.
Enhanced Drone Capabilities
An improved version of the Vogan-9SP is currently under development, aiming to reach speeds exceeding 250 km/h. This enhancement will significantly boost the drone’s interception capabilities, providing a more robust defense against hostile UAVs.
Innovations in Radar Technology
In addition to advancements in drone technology, Russia has also made significant strides in radar systems. The Iney compact radar station, developed by Radar MMS, represents a cutting-edge solution for detecting small UAVs. Unveiled at the Flot-2024 International Naval Show, the Iney radar can identify very small drones, such as Mavics, at distances of up to 5 kilometers.
Iney Radar: A Compact and Versatile Solution
The Iney radar system features an active phased array antenna (APAA) and can distinguish between various types of drones and birds, thanks to its integrated database. This capability is crucial for protecting critical infrastructure and airfields, where multiple Iney units can create a continuous radar field. Moreover, the radar’s compact size allows it to be mounted on various weapon systems, transforming it into an onboard radar for enhanced situational awareness.
Radar MMS: A Leader in Radio-Electronic Systems
Radar MMS, the company behind the Iney radar, is a prominent Russian enterprise specializing in radio-electronic systems. Their expertise spans a wide range of applications, including radar systems, robotics, unmanned aerial vehicles, meteorological systems, and high-speed vessels. This diverse portfolio underscores Russia’s comprehensive approach to advancing its technological capabilities across multiple domains.
Russia’s implementation of satellite-based drone control technology marks a significant milestone in the evolution of UAV operations. The successful experiments conducted by Gonets Satellite System and Geoscan demonstrate the feasibility and potential of this technology. Coupled with advancements in drone interception systems like the Vogan-9SP and cutting-edge radar solutions such as the Iney, Russia is solidifying its position as a leader in drone and radar technology. These innovations promise to enhance both military and civilian applications, paving the way for more sophisticated and reliable UAV operations in the future.
APPENDIX 1 – The Gonets Satellite System
The Gonets Satellite System is a Russian civilian low Earth orbit (LEO) communications satellite system, derived from the Strela military communications satellites. The system consists of multiple generations of satellites, including the Gonets-D1, Gonets-M, and the forthcoming Gonets-M1. Here is a detailed summary of its technical specifications, capabilities, and deployment plans:
Technical Data and Capabilities
Satellite Specifications:
- Gonets-D1M:
- Weight: Approximately 250 kg
- Orbit: 1,500 km circular, 82.5-degree inclination
- Power: Nickel/Hydrogen batteries with peak power consumption of 200 Watts
- Communication Channels: 16 (14 uplink, 2 downlink)
- Frequency Ranges: Uplink at 260 MHz, Downlink at 312-390 MHz
- Data Rates: Uplink at 2.4-9.6 Kbps, Downlink at 4.8-76.8 Kbps
- Onboard Memory: 8 MB
- Positioning: GLONASS with an accuracy of 100 meters
- Life Expectancy: 5 years
- Gonets-M:
- Weight: 280 kg
- Communication Channels: 16 (13 uplink, 3 downlink)
- Power: Solar panels with Nickel/Hydrogen batteries
- Data Rates: Similar to Gonets-D1M
- Life Expectancy: 5 years
- Gonets-M1 (Upcoming):
- Weight: 250 kg
- Orbit: 1,400 km circular, spread across six orbital planes
- Life Expectancy: 10 years
- Increased Capacity: Over twenty times that of Gonets-M
Operational Characteristics:
- The Gonets system provides mobile and fixed satellite communication services globally, particularly effective in remote and harsh environments where conventional communication methods are unreliable.
- The satellites support various applications including telemetry, data transfer, environmental monitoring, and emergency communications.
- The Gonets constellation ensures global coverage with minimal waiting times, varying by geographical location. For instance, at 60° latitude, the waiting time can be as low as 1.78 minutes with a 90% session probability.
Deployment and Launches:
- Initial launches began in the early 1990s with the first operational satellites entering service by 1996.
- The current constellation includes 25 second-generation Gonets-M satellites and one first-generation Gonets-D1 satellite.
- Future launches will transition to more advanced Gonets-M1 satellites, starting with planned launches on Soyuz-2-1v or Angara-1.2 rockets.
- By 2024, nine more Gonets-M satellites are in production, alongside the development of the Gonets-M1 series to enhance the system’s capabilities and extend operational life.
Detailed Scheme Table
| Parameter | Gonets-D1M | Gonets-M | Gonets-M1 (Upcoming) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 250 kg | 280 kg | 250 kg |
| Orbit | 1,500 km, 82.5° incl. | 1,500 km, 82.5° incl. | 1,400 km, multi-plane |
| Power | 200 W | 200 W | – |
| Communication Channels | 16 | 16 | – |
| Frequency Ranges | 260-390 MHz | 260-390 MHz | – |
| Data Rates (Uplink/Downlink) | 2.4-9.6 Kbps / 4.8-76.8 Kbps | 2.4-9.6 Kbps / 4.8-76.8 Kbps | – |
| Onboard Memory | 8 MB | 8 MB | – |
| Positioning Accuracy | 100 m (GLONASS) | 100 m (GLONASS) | – |
| Life Expectancy | 5 years | 5 years | 10 years |
| Launch Vehicles | Rockot, Angara-1.2 | Rockot, Angara-1.2 | Soyuz-2-1v, Angara-1.2 |
The Gonets system supports a wide range of applications, making it a versatile solution for remote communications, environmental monitoring, and emergency response. For the most current updates and detailed technical specifications, refer to sources such as the official Gonets website and spaceflight-related publications
