The three new GLONASS-M satellites launched on December 14 have been set operational: GLONASS 730 in orbital slot 1, was set healthy on January 30, joining 734 and 733, which were set healthy earlier in the month. This brings to 18 the number of satellites currently in service, although GLONASS 722 continues to provide a healthy signal only on its L1 frequency. At present, the constellation only suffices to provide a 24-hour regional signal over Russian territory, although satellites can and frequently are pulled in by global high-precision users to complete an RTK solution, along with GPS satellites.
Two other satellites, GLONASS 712 and 726, are currently in maintenance mode and set unhealthy. GLONASS 726 is the satellite that has a faulty signal generator and which prompted the postponement of the launch of the Block 40 satellites. Those satellites will now be launched in March. Meanwhile, GLONASS 701, launched in 2003, and 713, launched in 2005, are in the process of being decommissioned.
TV Roscosmos has released an entertaining video on Roscosmos's new program Ekstpennogo Reagirovaniya pri Avariyah, or Emergency Response in case of Accidents (ERA).
The next GLONASS launch, of the GLONASS Block 40 satellites originally to be launched last September but returned to the Reshetnev factory because of problems with the signal generator, is now scheduled for March 2. Two of the three satellites have been transported to the Baikonur launch pad.
See video here:
