Russia To Launch 1 Next-Generation Glonass-K Satellite In 2019 - Source

Daniyal Sohail Published March 24, 2019 | 05:05 AM

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 24th March, 2019) Only one Glonass-K navigation satellite will be lifted into orbit this year, down from the intended two, a source in the Russian space industry told Sputnik.

"Only one Glonass-K satellite is planned to be put into orbit this year," the source said.

Sputnik learned last December that Russia was going to send Glonass-K1 and Glonass-K2 satellites into space respectively in the middle and in the fourth quarter of 2019.

The first satellite of the next-generation Glonass-K1 type was launched in 2011, followed by another one in 2014. They differ from the previous Glonass-M generation by the number of signals transmitted and a longer lifespan.

The Glonass global navigation system comprises a constellation of 26 satellites, including 24 Glonass-M's and two Glonass-K1's, although only 22 are performing their intended navigation functions. The system needs 24 operational satellites to ensure global coverage.