Three additional Russian GLONASS navigation satellites were recently launched into Earth’s orbit. The satellites, launched atop a Proton K rocket, are part of a program to increase the number of GLONASS navigation satellites to 24 by 2009.

Satellite availability of Topcon Positioning Systems (TPS) receivers will increase, giving users of Topcon precise positioning technology and instruments an early Christmas present.

The three satellites, one in a series of launches carrying long-life satellite transmitters, were launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Topcon pioneered dual-constellation positioning technology (GPS and GLONASS) and has been utilizing dual-constellation signals in positioning solutions for more than six years.

For years Topcon's GPS+ was the only dual-constellation, satellite-based precision positioning system that allowed its users the option to access both the GPS and GLONASS satellite constellations. With its line of G3 receivers, TPS customers will also be able to receive signals from the Galileo system, now being tested by the European Union.

The use of multi-constellation signals virtually eliminates job site downtime due to weak or obstructed satellite reception.

More satellites to work with means more accuracy, more places in which to work and shorter initialization times.

GLONASS is a dual–purpose global navigation system designed to serve the Russian Ministry of Defense and civil users.

The system is intended to provide continuous navigation coverage allowing an unlimited number of domestic and foreign users at sea, in the air, and on land to determine precise coordinates, velocity and time.

 

Source: Topcon, www.topconpositioning.com