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Russia Completes GPS Rival

Final satellite for orbital positioning network launched

By Sam Biddle,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 27, 2007 10:31 AM CST

(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.

President Putin, pictured here i a file photo, promised ample funding for the GLONASS project, thanks to a flourishing Russian economy.
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.
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)
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
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)
DeLorme provided this photo of a DeLorme Earthmate PN-20 GPS device. (AP Photo/DeLorme)   (Associated Press)
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