KRASNOYARSK. Sept 24 (Interfax-AVN) - The Reshetnev research and production association of applied mechanics based in Zheleznogorsk, Krasnoyarsk Territory, may start the development of new-generation GLONASS satellites in 2010- 2012.
The improved satellites will be designated Glonass-KM, company's press secretary Svetlana Bashkova told Interfax-AVN, noting that at present K series satellites are replacing the old Glonass-M series, but Glonass-KMs will be used to develop the global positioning system, rather than simply to replace existing capabilities.
"The development process is continuous and uninterrupted, because otherwise this work will not make sense at all. During the period mentioned we will sign contract for R&D with the Russian Space Agency," she added.
The GLONASS global navigation satellite system was introduced in experimental operation in 1993. It is designed to provide exact location and speed of sea, air and land objects in real time. Presently, the system operates Glonass, Glonass-M and Glonass-K satellites.
According to First Deputy Prime Minister Sergey Ivanov, the GLONASS will be ready for nation-wide operation be the end of 2007, while by the end of 2009 it will become a global system.