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GLONASS-M satellite launched into orbit

March 17, 2020  - By

Russia has launched another GLONASS-M satellite, according to Roscosmos, the Russian State Space Corporation.

A Soyuz-2.1b launch vehicle successfully carried the satellite to its planned orbit from the Plesetsk cosmodrome. The launch took place on schedule on March 16.

Ground-based facilities of the G.S. Titov Space Forces VKS immediately took control of the satellite. A stable telemetry connection has been established and maintained with the satellite. The onboard systems of the spacecraft are operating normally.

The launch used a Fregat booster block produced by NPO Lavochkin, part of the Roscosmos State Corporation. The satellite was manufactured by ISS, also part of Roscosmos State Corporation.

The Soyuz-2.1b launch vehicle with encapsulated Glonass-M satellite is transported to the launchpad. (Screenshot: Russian Ministry of Defense video)

The Soyuz-2.1b launch vehicle with encapsulated GLONASS-M satellite is transported to the launchpad. (Screenshot: Russian Ministry of Defense video)

For the GLONASS constellation, a full complement of 24 satellites are set healthy. In addition, four satellites previously in the constellation are classified as spares, in maintenance or in test.

The just-launched satellite is expected to replace a currently operational GLONASS-M satellite, specifically GLONASS 735 in orbital slot 24). Of the 24 healthy satellites, one is a K1; the rest are Ms. The satellite in test is also a K1 (the first K1 to be launched).

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About the Author: Tracy Cozzens

Senior Editor Tracy Cozzens joined GPS World magazine in 2006. She also is editor of GPS World’s newsletters and the sister website Geospatial Solutions. She has worked in government, for non-profits, and in corporate communications, editing a variety of publications for audiences ranging from federal government contractors to teachers.