A Russian Soyuz 2.1b launch vehicle carried a GLONASS-M navigation satellite into orbit from the Plesetsk Space Center in northern Russia on November 3, 2018 at 11:17 p.m. Moscow Time (8:17 p.m. UTC; 4:17 p.m. EDT). Russian news agency TASS reported that the upper stage successfully separated from the third stage 11 minutes after liftoff.
GLONASS-M satellites began launching in 2001. The satellites have a seven-year lifespan and transmit in L3 signals. Russia has introduced a newer variant of the GLONASS satellite that features increased international interoperability and a longer lifespan. However, Moscow continues to purchase GLONASS-M spacecraft.
While GLONASS fell into disrepair during the 1990s after years of neglect, Putin began an effort to revitalize the system in the early 2000s. This led to increased production rates between 2006 and 2011. During that time, an average of four satellites was delivered per year. The system was finally declared operational in December 2011, with 24 operational satellites along with a number of in-orbit spares. Although the system briefly fell below 24 satellites after a 2013 Proton launch failure, it was brought back up to 24 shortly after that and has remained at that figure since then.
With the system is operational, production rates have declined as satellites are produced to maintain the system rather than to increase the number of spacecraft in orbit. While 14 satellites were launched in 2010 and 2011, no satellites were launched in 2012 and between 2013 and 2017, an average of two satellites were delivered per year. Production will likely remain at about two per year over the next decade.
For 50 years, Forecast International intelligence reports have been the aerospace and defense industry standard for accurate research, analysis, and projections. Our experienced analysts compile, evaluate, and present accurate data for decision makers. FI's market research reports offer concise analysis of individual programs and identify market opportunities. Each report includes a program overview, detailed statistics, recent developments and a competitive analysis, culminating in production forecasts spanning 10 or 15 years. Let our market intelligence reports be a key part of reducing uncertainties and mastering your specific market and its growth potential. Find out more at www.forecastinternational.com
