The multifunctional space Relay System (MCSR) Luch (operator – JSC Gonets Satellite System, part of the Roscosmos State Corporation) successfully completed the tasks of providing communication between the Mission Control Center (MCC) and cosmonauts of the Russian segment of the ISS during the spacewalk of Roscosmos cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub.
During the spacewalk, which lasted 4 hours and 36 minutes, the Luch ICSR performed 7 relay sessions. During this time, the astronauts transferred the adapter from the Zvezda service module to the Search module, mounted the platform with adapters on the Search and installed the adapter on the platform.
The provision of a broadband channel by means of the MKSR "Luch" ensured communication between Russian cosmonauts in outer space and the MCC. This allowed the MCC specialists to observe and control the actions of astronauts in outer space online. All 3 spacecraft of the system were involved in the organization of the communication channel: Luch-5A, Luch-5B, Luch-5V, equipment installed on the ISS RS, and means of a ground-based relay support complex.
Currently, the Luch system continues to perform the complex task of providing the crew of the 71st long-term ISS expedition with a broadband information transmission channel with the possibility of voice and video communication, as well as data transmission in accordance with the established work program.
