Russia put 3 more modern type M satellites in orbit today. That is the second launch of 3 this year, there are now 21 in orbit with 2 spares. Three more type Ms are scheduled for launch in November, which would give GLONASS a full galaxy of 24 satellites. On top of that there is a planned launch of a next generation type K satellite scheduled for December.
Paul in PA
GLONASS Life ?
The M satellites that have been put up are designed to last 7 years. From what I see there have been fewer short time failures in the last few years.
The K satellite to be launched in December is designed to last 10 years. I surmise since it is to be launched as a single it will be heavier than the Ms or it just may be because it is a test vehicle. As they did with the Ms they will most likely intersperse the 2011 launches till they run out of M inventory, i.e. launch 2 Ms and 1 K or 1 M and 1 K. They would soon have 1 K in each of the 3 orbits. With the galaxy full there will be less push to put 3 in an orbit at a time. As I read it they have at times lauched 3 in 1 orbit and turned 1 into a brand new spare till needed. I doubt they would use a different launch vehicle, since they have a lock on reasonable reliability.
Paul in PA