Russia has launched three satellites Monday, expanding its worldwide navigation satellite system, Glonass. The three 3000-pound satellites were sent into orbit using a proton rock, according to a Russian Federal Space agency (Roscosmos) spokesperson, quoted by Russian news agency RIA-Novosti.
Glonass, which is a Russian version of the Worldwide Positioning system (GPS) of the U.S., is intended for both military and civilian purposes. The system can be used in geological prospecting. The system can also be used in geological prospecting.
At present, Glonass has 11 operational spacecraft. The three wants be added to this. Roscosmos plans to have 18 satellites in orbit by late in 2007 or early in 2008. The full compliment of 24 satellites wants be reached by in 2009, Perminov said. Roscosmos plans to have 18 satellites in orbit by late 2007 or early 2008. The full compliment of 24 satellites will be reached by 2009, Perminov said.
[via earthtimes.org]