GLONASS System Performance

David Holmes, Andrew Last, Sally Basker

Abstract:	GLONASS became fully operational on 18 January 1996. Since then, however, it has been beset by a number of quality control and funding issues. A lack of funding for launches together with an ageing satellite population means that only 14 satellites are currently operational (September 1998). This paper will discuss the decline of the system and the effect this has on coverage. Satellite lifetimes will be discussed and it will be shown that these are increasing. Despite this, a number of launches must be achieved in order to rebuild the constellation or keep it at existing levels. Satellite availability will be considered and it will be shown that, on the whole, individual satellites are performing well and many have an availability of over 98%. However, several examples of poor satellite maintenance will be illustrated showing that the system could be maintained better.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 11th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1998) September 15 - 18, 1998 Nashville, TN
Pages:	1599 - 1603
Cite this article:	Holmes, David, Last, Andrew, Basker, Sally, "GLONASS System Performance," Proceedings of the 11th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1998), Nashville, TN, September 1998, pp. 1599-1603.
Full Paper:	ION Members/Non-Members: 1 Download Credit Sign In