Russia developing new global positioning spacecraft for Glonass

Russia continues to develop new generation spacecraft for its Glonass global positioning system, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said Sunday, according to Sputnik News.

"Work continues on creating and testing new generation spacecraft, which will allow to significantly increase the [Glonass] system's accuracy characteristics by 2020," Rogozin posted on his official Twitter account.

The launch has replaced a Glonass satellite that has served three years longer than its guaranteed lifetime, Rogozin said.

Glonass, a global navigation system operated by the Russian Aerospace Defense Forces, currently consists of 27 satellites, including 23 operational. The system allows real-time positioning and speed data for surface, sea and airborne objects around the world.