In 1961, the Korolev prototype design bureau started research & development of the satellite Molniya-1, which had to transmit one TV program and to provide multi-channel telegraphic and telephonic communications. The general designer of the satellite was M.P. Kappanov.

On April 23, 1961, the first successful launch of the soviet communications satellite Molniya-1 took place. The next day, after delivering the satellite into orbit, communication between Moscow and Vladivostok was performed in the Soviet Union for the first time via space. Since 1967, the TV signal translations using Molniya-1 series became regular. To meet the tasks of establishing communications channels and distributing the state TV and radio programs through the satellite communications systems, the TV & Radio Communications Center No.9 was founded in February of 1968. It became the main state operator of the constellation of communications satellites and the Russian Satellite Communications Company was founded.