The launch of the Glonass-VKK satellites, designed to improve the accuracy of navigation signals, is being postponed for several years. This was reported by RIA Novosti, referring to materials on the prospects for the development of the GLONASS system.
Glonass-VKK is a high-orbit space complex, which will consist of six vehicles in three planes, forming two sub-satellite paths. Services to consumers will be provided exclusively through the emission of new navigational radio signals. It is expected that Glonass-VKK will increase the accuracy of the Russian navigation system by 25%.
Initially, it was assumed that the launch of the first satellite of the Glonass-VKK system would be carried out in 2023. At the same time, the full deployment of a group of six devices was planned to be completed by the end of 2025.
However, now it is reported that the Glonass-VKK devices will be launched into orbit in 2026-2027. So, two satellites will be launched using two Soyuz-2.1b rockets in 2026, four more - using two Angara-A5 carriers in 2027.
Note that at present the GLONASS system includes 27 spacecraft. Of these, 23 are used for their intended purpose. Two more satellites have been temporarily taken out for maintenance. One each is at the stage of flight tests and in orbital reserve.
Source: 3dnews.ru