The last of the three satellites GLONASS-M has sent to Baikonur

In September, was scheduled for the placing into orbit three satellites GLONASS-M, but the machines were returned to the manufacturer to conduct additional inspections of onboard equipment. The reason for returning was a suspicion of possible defects in hardware — earlier in the work of one of the satellites in orbit failed.

GLONASS orbital constellation comprises 16 satellites. The device provides virtually complete coverage of Siberia and the Far East and the European part of Russia to provide a signal at 92-97 per cent. Earlier it was planned that by the end of 2009, the number of GLONASS satellites in orbit will increase to 24, who have repeatedly noted that for reliable grouping it should be composed of 30 vehicles.