GLONASS Constellation Update
December 1, 2011News courtesy of CANSPACE Listserv.
On November 30, the GLONASS-K1 satellite, GLONASS 701(K), which had been using broadcast almanac slot 3 and transmitting on frequency channel -5 while undergoing flight tests, ceased transmissions on its assigned channel and was removed from the almanac.
GLONASS 744, launched with the other Block 44 satellites on 4 November 2011 and which achieved its orbital slot 3 in Plane 1 a few days ago, was activated today and is transmitting on frequency channel 5. It is currently set unhealthy in both the almanac and the ephemeris while undergoing further commissioning.
At this time, we can also complete the ID associations of the other Block 44 satellites (UNB/ILRS No., NORAD/JSpOC Catalog No., International ID, GLONASS No., Kosmos No., Physical Slot No.):
128 = 37867 = 11064A = 744 = 2476 = 3 (new IGS R03)
129 = 37868 = 11064B = 745 = 2477 = 7 (future IGS R07)
127 = 37869 = 11064C = 743 = 2475 = 2 (future IGS R02)
GLONASS 743 and 745 are still moving towards their designated orbit slots. It is not clear if they will immediately replace the satellites currently in those slots or be held in reserve until needed.
According to the Roscosmos Information-Analytical Centre, GLONASS 746, launched Monday, is destined for orbit slot 17 in Plane 3. This is the current location of GLONASS 714, the oldest currently functioning satellite in Plane 3, launched on December 25, 2005. Based on NORAD/JSpOC tracking, GLONASS 746 is still drifting towards slot 17 and at its current speed will reach the slot in a few weeks.
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