Russia to launch 240 additional GLONASS satellites into low orbit in 2030

Credit: RIA/NAN

Russian state space corporation Roscosmos says it plans to create an additional segment of the GLONASS navigation system consisting of 240 satellites in low orbit in 2030.

Ivan Revnivykh, Head of Division, Department of Automatic Space Complexes and Systems of Special and Dual purpose of Roscosmos, said this on Tuesday in Moscow.

Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) is a space-based global navigation satellite system that provides reliable positioning, navigation and timing services to users on a continuous worldwide basis.

Revnivykh showed a slide show at the International Navigation Forum in Moscow.

“This is how the launch of the first two demonstration vehicles of the GLONASS low-orbit space complex is to be conducted in 2030.

“The developers are planning for the whole system to consist of 240 satellites which would be placed into orbit at an altitude of 800 kilometers (497 miles).

“The ordinary satellites of the GLONASS system fly at an altitude of about 19,000 kilometers,” Revnivykh said.

He noted that when the new low-orbit system is in operation, the GLONASS system would become 100 per cent available in difficult conditions.

“Its accuracy, the power of signals near Earth and resistance to interference will be increased,” he said.