Full-scale operations of Russia’s Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) are expected to start sometime in January–June, Russia’s Federal Space Agency Director Anatoly Perminov said, ITAR-TASS reported Tuesday. In early December 2010, Perminov said GLONASS was expected to reach global coverage in March 2011. At present, GLONASS has 21 operational satellites among a total of 26 satellites of the GLONASS-M type orbiting the Earth, according to Perminov. By January 18, one more satellite is expected to become operational, Perminov said, adding that in February–March, a GLONASS-K satellite with enhanced features is expected to be put into orbit, thus increasing the number of operational GLONASS satellites to 23. The GLONASS-K satellite was initially expected to be launched in late December 2010. Read More
