OREANDA-NEWS. June 22, 2009. Glonass-K, the first Russian satellite of new generation, will join GLONASS in December 2010, stated Reshetnev Infomation Satellite Systems DG Nikolai Testoyedov.

He also noted that 6 spacecraft will be launched this year to enlarge GLONASS constellation, so the system could provide global coverage.

Glonass-M satellites will be launched this year. Glonass-K differ from M-series: they are based on a new unpressurized design. Thus, all the onboard equipment of Glonass-K will operate in outer space. The last Glonass-M is planned for decomissioning in 2018.