GLONASS-K: a Milestone in SatNav Systems
February 26 marks 15 years since the launch of the first GLONASS K spacecraft. Developed by Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems under ROSCOSMOS, the mission ushered in a new era of global navigation.
GLONASS K was built to modernize the Global Navigation Satellite System’s orbital fleet.
A sharp departure from its predecessor — the GLONASS-M spacecraft, also developed in Zheleznogorsk — GLONASS-K features a reimagined design. Its core, a lightweight load bearing structure and honeycomb panels, significantly cuts mass while accommodating more mission instruments, thus unlocking new capabilities.
The inaugural GLONASS-K successfully completed its 10-yaer lifetime in orbit.
Today, five GLONASS-K satellites stand ready in the GLONASS fleet. They provide full positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services, and go further: each spacecraft relays emergency beacon signals to the COSPAS SARSAT search and rescue system, enabling rapid response to distress events worldwide.
