GLONASSM

GLONASS-M is the second generation of GLONASS navigation satellites, designed to maintain and enhance the Russian global navigation satellite system. Built by ISS Reshetnev (NPO PM) on the Uragan-M bus, GLONASS-M satellites were introduced in the mid-2000s to increase reliability and service life over the original GLONASS design.

Each satellite operates in medium Earth orbit at approximately 19,100 km altitude in an inclination of about 64.8 degrees. The GLONASS constellation uses three orbital planes with eight satellites each, for a total of 24 satellites in active service plus spares to ensure global coverage.

GLONASS-M carries navigation payloads that emit signals on L1 and L2 frequencies using the system's FDMA approach. The open civil service provides positioning data to users worldwide, with signals available for civilian use and additional channels reserved for more restricted or military applications.

Launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome using Russian launch vehicles, GLONASS-M missions began in 2003 and continued through the 2000s, replacing aging satellites and maintaining consistent global coverage. The satellites contribute significantly to the resilience and accuracy of the GLONASS system, especially when combined with other GNSS networks.

Today GLONASS-M satellites form a substantial portion of the GLONASS constellation alongside newer generations such as GLONASS-K, with several units remaining in service into the 2010s and beyond. The program reflects Russia’s ongoing commitment to maintaining an independent, global navigation capability.