Plans for launching Glonass-K navigation satellites this year have been changed. This is reported by the RIA Novosti online publication, citing a source in the rocket and space industry.
Glonass-K is a third-generation navigation apparatus (the first generation is Glonass, the second is Glonass-M). They differ from their predecessors in improved technical characteristics and an extended period of active existence. A special radio-technical complex is installed on board to work in the international search and rescue system KOSPAS-SARSAT.
It was previously planned that in 2019 two third-generation satellites for the GLONASS system would be launched - one each of Glonass-K1 and Glonass-K2. The latter is an improved modification of Glonass-K.
However, other information has now emerged. βThis year it is planned to launch only one Glonass-K satellite into orbit,β informed people said. Apparently, we are talking about the device in the modification of "Glonass-K1".
It should be noted that in the future, the launch of Glonass-K2 satellites will improve the accuracy of navigation.
Currently, the GLONASS constellation includes 26 devices, of which 24 are used for their intended purpose. One more satellite is at the stage of flight tests and in orbital reserve.
Source: 3dnews.ru