OREANDA-NEWS. April 07, 2010. Russian Global Navigation System GLONASS will be enlarged by 7 more satellites by the end of the year, Vladimir Putin, Chairman of the Russian Government stated during the GLONASS mapping meeting at GCTC on Tuesday.

"We are in process enlarging our space constellation. Currently, 23 GLONASS satellites are in orbit. 21 of them show nominal operation, the other two still have some issues. 7 more satellites to be launched by the end of the year- 6 GLONASS-M and 1 advanced GLONASS-K. Thus, 27-28 spacecraft will be in orbit providing navigation services in continuous mode”, Russian Vice Premier said.

According to him, by that time GLONASS will be able to maintain global coverage.