The launch of the next GLONASS satellite is scheduled for mid-March

A source in the rocket and space industry, according to RIA Novosti, announced the date of the planned launch of a new satellite of the Russian GLONASS navigation system.

We are talking about the next device "Glonass-M", which will replace a similar satellite, which failed at the end of last year.

Initially, the launch of the new Glonass-M apparatus into orbit was planned for the current month. However, the schedule had to be revised due to delay start communication satellite "Meridian-M". The problem, we recall, arose with the electrical equipment of the Soyuz-2.1a launch vehicle.

And now a new date for the launch of the rocket with the Glonass-M satellite has been determined. “The launch of the Soyuz-2.1b launch vehicle with the Fregat upper stage and the Glonass-M satellite is scheduled for March 16,” informed persons said.

It should be noted that now many satellites of the GLONASS system operate beyond the warranty period. Therefore, the grouping requires a comprehensive update. It is expected that by 2025 will be made almost three dozen GLONASS satellites.

We add that now the GLONASS grouping includes 28 devices, but only 23 are used for their intended purpose. Three satellites have been taken out for maintenance, one more are in orbital reserve and at the stage of flight tests. 

Source: 3dnews.ru