Article Posted on : - Nov 18, 2010

A file photo.

MOSCOW (BNS): Russia's next generation Glonass-K2 navigation satellite will be launched in 2013, a top official from Russia's Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, said.

According to Sergei Revnivykh, Deputy Director of Roscosmos's Central Research Institute of Machine Building, the new satellite will be featured with upgraded signal downloading system, following the demand of the users.

"We have decided to modernise the Glonass signal system. We will introduce new signals with a code separation," said Sergei Revnivykh at a conference in Moscow.

Glonass-K2 will provide three new code-distinguished signals: in L1 and L2 bands for special users, and one in L1 band for users.

The new design will have a 10-year service life.

The Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) is an alternative and complementary system to the US’ Global Positioning System, China’s Compass navigation system, and the planned Galileo positioning system of the European Union.

Designed for both military and civilian purposes, GLONASS enables its users to determine their positions within a few meters.