Source: the failed satellite "GLONASS-M" will replace the backup

Navigation satellites "GLONASS-M" has worked for ten years instead of seven provisions, it is planned to replace on the backup spacecraft, told RIA Novosti source in the space industry.

According to the information analytical centre of coordinate-time and navigation support TsNIIMash (research Institute head of "Roscosmos"), satellite "GLONASS-M" with the system room 731, which was launched in March 2010 with an estimated life of seven years, was removed for maintenance in June 2020.

"The satellite failed on-Board frequency standards, making it impossible to further work for the intended purpose", - said the Agency interlocutor.

According to him, the satellite will be replaced with a similar unit with system number 735, which is in orbital reserve.

"Unit 735 has been launched alongside the 731st, but unlike him, can still work for its intended purpose," added the source.

In Roscosmos declined to comment to RIA Novosti this information.

Now the Russian orbital group global satellite navigation system GLONASS includes 27 spacecraft (25 "GLONASS-M" and two "GLONASS-K"), of which 23 work on purpose, one is for flight tests, one in service and two in reserve.

For global coverage of the Earth of navigation signals of the system requires 24 operational satellites.