GLONASS UPDATE

GLONASS-K1 to replace an existing GLONASS-M in six months

GLONASS-K1 No. 12 satellite (GLONASS 702K) will be brought into service after a six-month test period and replace an existing GLONASS-M satellite, which will subsequently become a reserve satellite.

“For a smooth transition to a multifunctional group and due to issues with the very complex GLONASS-K2 satellites, we decided to continue with the GLONASS-K1 intermediate range of satellites and we are preparing for the launch of nine units of this series,” said Nikolai Testoyedov, CEO of Information Satellite Systems Reshetnev.

Testoyedov recalled that the original plan was to launch only two GLONASS-K1 satellites and then move on to the GLONASS-K2 satellites. “In the beginning, really, we wanted after the two GLONASS-K1 satellites No. 11 and 12, to go for the launch of more advanced GLONASS-K2 devices. But, unfortunately, the plans had to be adjusted somewhat because of the sanctions restricting the delivery of radiation-resistant electronic components from the West. We have to put a hold on the in-depth development of technical and technological documentation and that delays us in terms of moving ahead by at least a year or two.”

Agreement between Roscosmos and Transport Ministry

An interagency agreement for the maintenance, development and use of GLONASS was signed Dec. 5 between Russia’s Ministry of Transport and the Russian Space Agency, according to Roscosmos. The agreement seeks to increase the efficiency of the use of civilian infrastructure for the development of GLONASS coordinate-time and navigation for the Russian Federation, as well as international cooperation in the field of satellite navigation.

$100 million joint venture in India by GLONASS Union

Russian non-profit partnership GLONASS Union and India’s Eirene Systems may set up a joint venture to develop and produce satellite navigation receivers for the ERA GLONASS emergency response system, with about $100 million investments, according to the union’s President Alexander Gurko.

“We are joining efforts with our partners from India to develop, produce and implement joint solutions in navigation using our GLONASS technology and Indian own navigation system IRNSS. The sides may develop GLONASS/GPS/ IRNSS receivers for markets of Russia, India and the third countries,” Gurko said.

GLONASS Union is the sole contractor on the creation of the ERA GLONASS response system, which relays information about road accidents to emergency services. http://itar-tass.com

Glonass to provide Brazil with alternative to GPS

“Brazil will have an alternative to GPS as a civil-use localization system. So all Brazilians will be able to access this system, and this will mean an increase in the number of satellites as people will be able to connect to both GPS and Glonass. Also having more localized data and more stability,” Geovany Borges, Glonass project coordinator in Brazil said.

Borges, who is also a professor of the University of Brasilia, noted that the mode of operation of Russia’s Glonass is similar to that of the GPS. Russia’s first overseas Glonass ground station was launched in Brazil in February 2013. http://sputniknews.com