Gorizont 33 (Russian: Горизонт 33 meaning "Horizon 33"), also known as Gorizont 45L was a Russian communications satellite operated by Kosmicheskiya Svyaz (RSCC). It was the last satellite to be launched as part of the Gorizont constellation. Constructed by NPO Prikladnoi Mekhaniki (NPO PM), it was based on the KAUR-3 satellite bus. Its launch was contracted by Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center, using a Proton-K / Briz-M launch vehicle.

Gorizont 33
NamesГоризонт 33
Horizon 33
Gorizont 45L
Mission typeCommunications
OperatorKosmicheskiya Svyaz (RSCC)
COSPAR ID2000-029A Edit this at Wikidata
SATCAT no.26373
Websitehttps://eng.rscc.ru/
Mission duration3 years (planned)
8 years (achieved)
Spacecraft properties
SpacecraftGorizont 33
Spacecraft typeKAUR
BusKAUR-3
ManufacturerNPO PM
Launch mass2,300 kg (5,100 lb)
Dimensions2 m (diameter)
5 m (height)
Power1280 watts
Start of mission
Launch date6 June 2000, 02:59:00 UTC
RocketProton-K / Briz-M
Launch siteBaikonur, Site 81/24
ContractorKhrunichev State Research and Production Space Center
Entered serviceAugust 2000
End of mission
DisposalGraveyard orbit
DeactivatedMarch 2008
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric orbit
RegimeGeostationary orbit
Longitude145° East
Transponders
Band7 transponders:
6 C-band
1 Ku-band
Coverage areaRussia, Commonwealth of Independent States

Launch

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The launch occurred at 02:59:00 UTC on 6 June 2000 from Site 81/24 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome. This was the first successful launch of a Proton with a Briz-M upper stage, and as the previous Proton/Briz-M launch failed during the second stage burn, on 5 July 1999, the first firing of a Briz-M in flight.[1] The Proton itself flew with uprated engines, increasing its payload capacity ahead of the launch of Zvezda, a little over a month later, on 12 July 2000. The launch was conducted as a test flight of the Proton, and the satellite would not have been considered a significant loss if it had not reached orbit.

Mission

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Following its launch and on-orbit testing, it was placed in geosynchronous orbit at 145° East,[2] from where it provides communications services to Russia.[3] It carried seven transponders, and had an expected on-orbit lifespan of three years.[4][5] Its stabilisation system failed in March 2008, leaving the satellite drifting at a rate of 0.3° West per day, eight years after it had been launched.

References

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  1. ^ "Issue 428". Jonathan's Space Report. 10 June 2000. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 22 April 2021.
  2. ^ "Gorizont 33". TSE. 28 February 2021. Retrieved 22 April 2021.
  3. ^ "Gorizont 33". Satellite News Digest. 12 March 2021. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 22 April 2021.
  4. ^ "Gorizont 1 - 33 (11F662) / Tongastar 1 / Rimsat 1, 2 / PASI 1 / AsiaSat G / LMI-AP 1, 2". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 22 April 2021.
  5. ^ Wade, Mark. "Gorizont". Encyclopedia Astronautica. Archived from the original on 17 June 2008. Retrieved 3 May 2009.