GPS

Russia Launches 3 GLONASS Satellites

Russia launched 3 more GLONASS satellites this past week from Baikonur aboard a Proton-M rocket, RIA Novosti reports. The three GLONASS - M satellites brings the constellation to 19, 16 of which are operational. Given that Russia is anticipating a budget deficit of 70 billion USD or so with the recent economic downturn, it will be interesting to see if the launch pace is maintained in 2009.

The Glonass system currently consists of 19 satellites, of which 16 are operational, two are undergoing maintenance, and one is due to be withdrawn. The system requires 18 satellites for continuous navigation services covering the entire territory of the Russian Federation, and 24 satellites to provide services worldwide. A total of 9.9 billion rubles ($360 million at the current exchange rate) was allocated for Glonass from the federal budget in 2007, and 4.7 billion rubles ($170 million) in 2006.

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