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Russia to Launch 6 GLONASS Satellites by the End of 2007 [27.10.07]

In October and December 2007, Russia will launch six satellites as part of the GLONASS global satellite navigation program, according to the Russian Space Agency. 

GLONASS can be used for both military and civilian use.  Its first satellite was launched on October 12, 1982.  In 1993 the satellite fleet started its exploitation.  In 2001 the Russian government adopted the GLONASS federal target program up to 2011, and allocated $960 million.  Today two types of satellites are used: GLONASS and GLONASS-M.  The latter can be used up to 7 years.   In the future GLONASS-K satellites will work 10-12 years. 

In Russia GLONASS will be able to operate fully when the number of its satellites reaches 18, and it will have global reach with 24 satellites.  Presently GLONASS has 17 satellites in Russia.  With the launch of six new satellites, GLONASS will start covering Russia-wide, and will reach the global capacity by the end of 2009.  Today only the United States has current GPS navigation capability worldwide.