Russian GPS 'Glonass' is back!

[Disco_Destroyer]

For those that don't trust US control of their GPS

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GLONASS

http://rt.com/Sci_Tech/2009-12-14/glonass-proton-launch-satellite.html

GLONASS now covers all of Russia
A Proton rocket carrying three satellites for Russia's navigation system GLONASS, which will enable the system to cover all of Russia, has been launched from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Another nine GLONASS satellites will be launched into orbit in 2010, according to the head of Russia's space agency, and those will give GLONASS global coverage.

The system will be used by both the military and civilians.

A feature especially relevant after the recent bombing of Moscow-Saint Petersburg train is that GLONASS could be used to prevent terror attacks on railroads.

It could scan areas for suspicious movements and objects.

For now, the most famous GLONASS user is Vladimir Putin's Labrador Koni, who has the chip built into her dog collar.

The editor of Space News magazine Pavel Sharov told RT that right now there are 19 satellites in orbit. By the end of 2010, GLONASS will become a full alternative to the GPS system.

“There are no advantages of GLONASS over GPS, but users will benefit from using both systems simultaneously because of the increased capability and authenticity of the received signal,” he said.

Patrick Fullick, founder and president of “Science Connections”, told RT about the importance of the new positioning system in a live interview from London.


Watch interview with Patrick Fullick (Go to site)


Fullick said that GLONASS and GPS systems are very similar, but at the same time can be used to complement each other. The Russian satellites are placed in lower orbits and in slightly different configurations, which allows precise measurements in places where GPS is not so effective.

He also noted that independence from GPS is strategically important for Russia, especially for the Russian military. However, the use of the system can be used in almost all areas of life – from extreme sports to agriculture.