Gorizont (, lit. 'horizon'), GRAU index 11F662, was a series of 35 Russian, previously Soviet, geosynchronous communications satellites launched between 1978 and 2000. The program was started in order to develop a satellite system to relay coverage of the 1980 Olympic Games from Moscow. The first four satellites were originally launched for this sole purpose.[1] Following this, the Gorizont system was integrated into the YeSSS Unified Satellite Communication System,[1] and was used to relay both civilian and military communications. From 1988 onwards, the satellites were also used in support of the Okean program.[1]
Gorizont satellites were based on the KAUR-3 satellite bus, which provided three-axis stabilisation, and liquid maneuvering engines.[1] The Gorizont satellite constellation was replaced by the Ekspress constellation.