Russia: With 24 satellites, Russia successfully developed its own analogue of the American GPS, named GLONASS. It is providing now a complete global coverage, a Russian daily reported.
Dr Andrei Ionin, who works for the operators of GLONASS explained that with 18 satellites, GLONASS was able to provide precise navigation across Russia. With all 24 GLONASS satellites in orbit, GLONASS receivers can pick signal from the quartette that is necessary for precise positioning anywhere in the world.
“Russia and its actual as well as potential allies are becoming independent of the American GPS, which may be turned off, globally or regionally, whenever the Americans want this. With GLONASS on, the world is becoming a safer place.”
Dr Ionin added, “At long last, you are one hundred percent assured that in any corner of the world you can rely solely on GLONASS for your navigation and positioning needs.”
According to Dr Ionin, the military in several countries including Russia and India will receive satnav devices that use only GLONASS. Civilian users around the world will benefit from both GLONASS and the GPS. “Many of the world’s consumer electronics makers are already developing or even marketing satnav devices with dual GLONASS and GPS enablement. In mid- October, GLONASS-cum-GPS-enabled iPhones hit the market.”
Dual enablement is particularly important in cities, where metre-scale precision and continuity are at a premium. Taken alone, neither GLONASS nor the GPS possesses the minimum 50 satellites that are needed for this. In 2013, the city of Moscow will equip all of its motor vehicles with dual-enabled satnav devices. Accident investigation will become much easier, and commuters waiting in bus shelters will be notified about the time of upcoming arrivals.
Source: Voice of Russia
