Russia plans to launch five GLONASS satellites in 2019, according to the strategy of development of the GLONASS national satellite navigation system until 2030.

A model of a GLONASS-K satellite displayed at CeBit 2011 (Picture source: Patrick G.)

"In a bid to maintain the orbital cluster of GLONASS-M and GLONASS-K satellites there are plans to launch five GLONASS satellites with the help of five Soyuz carrier rockets in 2019. One satellite will be launched in the first, second and third quarters of 2019. Two satellites will be put in orbit in the fourth quarter of this year. The satellites will comprise three GLONASS-M satellites, one GLONASS-K satellite and one GLONASS-K2 satellite," the document said.

At present, the GLONASS orbital cluster consists of 26 satellites, 24 of which are used according to purpose; one is undergoing flight tests and another one is in the orbital reserve. About 15 satellites have reached the end of their service life.

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