The Glonass cluster is now made up of 20 satellites. Nineteen of them are operational, and one is being repaired.

The system requires 18 operational satellites for continuous navigation services covering the entire territory of Russia and at least 24 satellites to provide navigation services worldwide.

Each satellite weighs over 1.4 tonnes and has a service life of seven years.

Glonass used to be a top secret military project, but these days the veil of secrecy has been lifted and everyone can benefit, from man to mammal.

Even Prime Minister Putin’s beloved dog, Connie, has connections in high places, with a special Glonass tracking collar around her neck.

Magomed Tolboyev, a pilot since 1973, has probably flown every aircraft. He even got his hands on the controls of Buran – the only Soviet space shuttle project – and he recalls what a huge headache navigation was for pilots back then.

“We didn’t have anything!” says Hero of Russia Magomed Tolboyev. “We could only measure the time, speed and altitude of the flight and had to figure out our position by doing math. That’s why America’s GPS was a real breakthrough!”

But the US monopoly is about to end.

Nevertheless, when the Glonass system swings into full capacity, it’s not planned to replace GPS, but will be an addition to make navigation in all parts of the globe even more accurate.

“Advanced receivers are already able to use GPS and Glonass systems simultaneously,” says Glonass chief engineer Yury Urlichich. “Europe’s Galileo and China’s Compass navigation systems may also be put on the list after they are completed.”

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