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Number of GLONASS Satellites Reached 12
A group of 11 operating GLONASS satellites has been widened by one, which was put into operation after the orbit maintenance, ARMS-TASS reported. Of 17 satellites that were on orbit in small hours of June 7, 2007, 12 were operating, one more was at the launching stage, three satellites were being repaired and another one was being withdrawn from the system.
Covering Russia requires as many as 18 operating satellites and the system should comprise 24 satellites to operate globally. The global operation of GLONASS has been slated for 2009. For this purpose, six more satellites will be placed in orbit before late this year.
Today’s backbone of GLONASS group are GLONASS-M satellites, which operating life reaches seven years. The satellites of previous generation had the life of three to five years, making it difficult to continuously maintain the required strength. Further on, it is planned to use GLONASS-K satellites that are capable of operating for ten years; their placing in orbit is scheduled for 2010.
www.kommersant.com
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