Building Up GLONASS

Lenta.ru (Russian link), citing ARMS-TASS, reports that GLONASS, the Russian space-based global positioning system, will become fully operational before the end of the year.

"By the end of 2007, the number of functional satellites for the GLONASS system will be brought to 18, which will allow to provide coverage of the greater part of the earth, including all of Russia. Next year, the number of satellites is planned to be increased to 24, which will provide global coverage.

Currently, GLONASS satellites are being replaced with GLONASS-M devices, which increase the service life from three to seven years. Later, the constellation will utilize GLONASS-K devices, with a 10-year service life.

The Russian satellite navigation system will be used for both military and civilian purposes - in early 2007, the Ministry of Defense lifted restrictions for use of GLONASS data for commerical purposes."

As further reference, see the official satellite navigation information center of Roscosmos (Russian federal space agency).