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Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and Deputy Premier Sergei Ivanov have urged the adoption of a fully commercial model for the Glonass satellite navigation system.

Like the US GPS, Glonass is designed for both military and civilian use. Both systems allow users to determine their positions to within a few meters. However, the lack of satellites, the lack of a manufacturing industry, and the lack of ground stations outside Russia has limited its use to the Russian military.

The lack of satellites has meant that for the last ten years Glonass coverage outside Russia has been patchy at best. The lack of a manufacturing base means that receivers are much more expensive, even if they can be acquired. The lack of ground stations means that even when satellites and receivers are available, the datum used is of such poor quality that rhe results are much inferior to GPS.

But the Russians have plans to fix all of these problems.

Two years ago, Putin committed Russia to a course of rebuilding the constellation to its full operational status. Currently, there are 22 Glonass satellites in orbit, but only 16 of them are operational. The system requires 18 operational satellites for continuous navigation services covering the entire territory of Russia and at least 24 satellites to provide navigation services worldwide.

On current plans, the Glonass navigation satellite system is expected to start operating worldwide by the end of 2010.

There are also plans to begin the deployment of downstations around the globe. One already exists in Cuba. Others are planned in South America and Australia.

This leaves the creation of a modern manufacturing sector that is capable of delivering cheap receivers as the only remaining problem.

'Our system should be commercialised so as to make it more effective,' Putin said. He urged local authorities to introduce the system across the regions in trains, aircraft, water and public transportation. He said authorities in Bashkortostan had significantly improved fuel economy in the public transportation services by doing just this.

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