Russia recently launched a Proton-M rocket carrying three Glonass navigation satellites from its Baikonur space centre in Kazakhstan.
The launch signifies the first time that a Proton-M rocket has launched with Glonass satellites since the failed launch at the same base last year, which destroyed three Glonass M satellites.
The launch was conducted on Friday November 4, after a 24 hour delay due to technical reasons, a spokesperson for Russia’s federal space agency Roscosmos said.
The Glonass satellite navigation system is Russia’s answer to the US’ GPS, and is designed for both military and civilian use.
According to the Russian Federal Space Agency, five Glonass satellites are under maintenance, one is on a standby, and two recently launched satellites are being integrated into the grouping.
The complete Glonass grouping needs 24 functioning and 2-3 reserve satellites to operate with global coverage.
Interestingly, Apple’s new iPhone 4S reportedly contains a chip that is capable of using both GPS and Glonass satellites to determine its location, with Vedomosti, a Russian business daily, stating "If the iPhone 4S really does have Glonass navigation, this would be the first time the Russian system reached the world market," according to GPS daily.
A further Glonass satellite will be launched form the Plesetsk space centre at the end of November.
