The Luch or Altair satellites were the first generation of Soviet and later Russian data relay satellites. These satellites provided communications service to the Mir space station, Buran space shuttle, Soyuz-TM spacecraft, military satellites and the TsUPK ground control center.
Geostationary OrbitIn November 1991, PanAmSat Corporation ordered three Hughes HS-601 model PAS (PanAmSat) satellites from Hughes Space and Communications Company. The satellites provide video services for program distribution and syndication; data services for business applications; and services for video, radio, data and telephone transmission. They were placed over the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans, respectively. In August 1993, PanAmSat ordered a fourth satellite, to be used as a spare. The spare was pressed into service to replace the first PAS-3 spacecraft, which was lost during a launch vehicle failure.
Geostationary Orbit