Russia plans to launch the next-generation GLONASS-K2 satellite in 2022.
The new form of GLONASS satellite was announced by the CEO of the manufactures, Information Satellite Systems, on 2 July.
Design of the Glonass-K2 satellite is reported as complete. The CEO explains: ’After the approval of the conceptual design, we will switch over to the stage of working out design documentation, after which we will create a prototype and start its experimental testing. The flight prototype is planned to be produced in 2022 and in that year it will be launched.’
An important aspect of the K2 satellites is that they will be constructed under the ‘National Import Substitution’ programme, whereby construction is independent of imported components. Overall, 2 or 3 satellites will be made for flight tests before the Government decides on serial production.
There are currently 24 GLONASS satellites - required for global coverage - plus 2 in testing in orbit. These are -M models, using frequency division multiple access (FDMA), except 2 K1 models, which also use code division multiple access (CDMA), similar to GPS, BeiDou and Galileo. The -K1 satellites were launched in 2011 and 2014.
The -K2 satellites, transmitting 9 signals, will provide CDMA signals compatible with other GNSS constellations, as well as national military ones. Service life is scheduled as 10 years, rather than 7 years for the current -M satellites.
Email to a Friend