GLONASS

Abstract

The Global’naya Navigatsionnaya Sputnikova Sistema (GLONASSGlobal’naya Navigatsionnaya Sputnikova Sistema (Russian Global Navigation Satellite System) (GLONASS)) is a global navigation satellite system developed by the Russian Federation. Similar to its US counterpart, the NAVSTAR global positioning system (GPSGlobal Positioning System (GPS)), GLONASS provides dual-frequency L-band navigation signals for civil and military navigation. Initiated in the 1980s, the system first achieved its full operational capability in 1995. Following a temporary degradation, the nominal constellation of 24 satellites was ultimately reestablished in 2011 and the system has been in continued service since then. This chapter describes the architecture and operations of GLONASS and discusses its current performance. In addition, the planned evolution of the space and ground segment are outlined.