According to the statement released by Reshetnev research-and-production association of applied mechanics (NPO PM), the enterprise, together with the "In Memory of Reshetnev" foundation, will implement a new project that envisages the deployment of information plaques on GLONASS-M navigation satellites.
These spacecraft are launched to circular orbits at the altitude of about 20,000 kilometers and remain there practically forever.
Anyone interested can send his/her proposal to the enterprise; however, the decision on whether to accept the message and the determination of corresponding conditions will be taken by the special Council on information plaques, reported an NPO PM source in an interview with RIA Novosti.
The priority in the category of non-commercial messages is given to information on: Earth and its population; space science; activities of companies and individuals participating in development and exploitation of modern spacecraft; works of university and high-school students dedicated to space exploration, press release adds.
The launch of the next GLONASS-M navigation satellite is scheduled for December 25, 2004. It will carry the first six information plaques. At this time, the enterprise accepts requests to put information on plaques that will be carried by the next satellite scheduled for launch in 2005, press release says.
Mikhail Reshetnev (1924-1996) - academician, Hero of the Social Labor. From 1959 to 1996 he was the chief designer and director general of NPO PM - one of the leaders of Soviet and Russian space industry. In 1970s-80s, it manufactured 80% of all Russian-made low-orbit satellites. Through its history, NPO PM manufactured more than 1,100 spacecraft.
