Article Posted on : - Apr 07, 2010

MOSCOW (BNS): Russia is planning to launch seven new Glonass navigation satellites by the end of the year 2010.

"There are currently 23 satellites in the orbit and 21 of them are in perfect working conditions, said Prime Minister Vladimir Putin at a meeting on the issue of mapping of the GLONASS system," according to a RIA Novosti news report.

Out of the seven Glonass satellites which will be launched six are GLONASS-M and one GLONASS-K with improved characteristics.

GLONASS – Global Navigation Satellite System – 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.

The system requires 18 satellites for continuous navigation services covering the entire Russian Federation, and 24 satellites to provide services worldwide.

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