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December 2, 2008 12:22:56 PM CST

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Russia Completes GPS Rival

Posted Dec 27, 07 10:31 AM CST in World,  Technology 

(Newser) – Russia launched three additional satellites for its GLONASS positioning system today, Reuters reports. The Russian positioning system is similar to the American GPS network, and currently consists of 18 satellites operated by the country's military. GLONASS already provides ground coverage for most of Russia itself, and is expected to expand to 24 satellites—and global coverage—by 2009.

The Soviet Union had first attempted to create its own satellite positioning system in the 70s, but a faltering economy curbed the project. President Putin promises the current iteration is well-funded, and remarked that he hopes to use the system to track his escape-prone dog via a GLONASS-equipped collar.

Sources Reuters, GPS World

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President Putin, pictured here i a file photo, promised ample funding for the GLONASS project, thanks to a flourishing Russian economy.   (Getty Images (by Event) Individuals)
The European Space Agency's Galileo satellite network, pictured here during a launch, will face new competition from the Russian GLONASS project.   (Getty Images)
Proton-M rocket carrying three satellites for the global positioning system GLONASS, blasts off from Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Friday, Oct. 26, 2007. (AP Photo)   (Associated Press)
Zoombak's advanced GPS Pet and Auto locators can help you keep track of your dog, your family and your car. (Photo   (Associated Press)
DeLorme provided this photo of a DeLorme Earthmate PN-20 GPS device. (AP Photo/DeLorme)   (Associated Press)
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