Cosmodrome upgraded to TETRA system

EADS Defence & Security has completed the new TETRA-based communications network, selected in 2006 by Roskosmos, the Federal Space Agency of Russia, to refurbish the trunking network at Baikonur Cosmodrome.

With construction and implementation entrusted to Leo Telecom, the EADS TETRA system comprises one DXTip switch, five TB3 base stations, one dispatcher workstation and more than 600 radios from the THR880i, THR880i Ex and TMR880i ranges.

All systems have been commissioned, while the results of the radio communication distance tests have exceeded expectations.

The system provides 100% radio communication coverage for the Cosmodrome, for the neighbouring airfields and for the town of Baikonur, serving over 1000 subscribers by mobile radio.

Further development of the network includes installation of individual dedicated base stations with radio traffic recording at the most hazardous sites, such as launch vehicle filling areas and launch complexes.

Maximum use will also be made of various applications to increase the effectiveness and safety of operations.

Founded in 1955, the Cosmodrome covers an area of 6717 km² near the Kazakh town of Tyuratam. It currently has over 10 launch pads. The task of modernising Baikonur (officially State Proving Cosmodrome no. 5) took into account the engineering elements involved in space launch preparations and the service needs of the cosmodrome and the neighbouring town of Baikonur.