Russia Continues to Deploy Glonass Satellite System,
Abstract
Russia has openly expressed its desire to continue deploying the Global Navigation Satellite System (Glonass), but the time for its entrance into operation, originally 1995, may be postponed until 1996 or 1997. International civil aviation use of Glonass proceeds from geopolitical and technological needs. Because the Global Positioning Satellite System (GPS) is owned and managed by the United States Department of Defense, several countries worry about civil aviation reliance on GPS in the future. Even though Glonass is controlled by the Russian Ministry of Defense, its use will relieve these worries. Because the GPS and Glonass systems have 24 satellites each, even if one or two satellites suddenly malfunction, it will not affect navigation precision. This is especially important for the use of Glonass in precision instrumented approach and landing equipment. Previously, because of technical problems and the disintegration of the former Soviet Union, the Glonass program was held up. But on August 10, 1992, the Russian Ministry of Defense decided to continue to guarantee funding for this program. At present there are 11 Glonass satellites in operation, and the three satellites launched on July 3, 1992 will enter service as well.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA310694
Entities
People
- Xing He
Organizations
- National Air and Space Intelligence Center