Russia’s Sphere broadband satellite constellation gets regulatory OK, but sanctions make financing, component access a challenge

by Peter B. de Selding

PARIS — Russia has won approval from international regulators to pursue deployment of the Sphere constellation of Ka-band broadband satellites in medium-Earth orbit but questions remain over whether sanctions against Russia will not suspend development.

The first satellite for the Sphere network, SkyF-D, was launched Oct. 22 aboard a Soyuz rocket as a co-passenger with three Gonets messaging spacecraft.

The launch occurred later than originally scheduled because the Gonets satellites, which were the main payload, were delayed.

Russia . . .

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