Progress towards the operational phase of GLONASS

A report is presented on the current status of the GLONASS satellites and the prospective integration with the GPS satellite navigation system. Consideration is given to the question of GLONASS system flexibility and reliability, how long it takes following launch for satellites to be checked out, maneuvered, and declared fit for service, and the problem of spacecraft replacement following single or multiple failures. Present GLONASS orbital occupation is shown with the eventual operational configuration of 24 satellites, with eight satellites in each of three orbital planes separated in right ascension of the ascending node.