OREANDA-NEWS. April 28, 2009. Two Proton launches under the Glonass Navigation System Federal Special Program are planned this year. 6 Glonass-M satellites (Glonass-M has extended lifetime and higher positioning accuracy compare to Glonass series) are to be orbited by Proton launcher. Glonass-M are developed and produced by Reshetnev ISS company.

Three Glonass-M satellites are to be lofted in September, the other three will fly in late 2009. Both launches will be operated from Baikonur.

Proton provides active launch services for Russian satellites. This year, Proton orbited three spacecraft in two launches (under the Federal Space Program and for the Ministry of Defense).