Glonass M satellite. Photo: JSC “Academician M.F. Reshetnev” Information Satellite Systems

[Via Satellite 03-25-2014] Russia’s Glonass M satellite has successfully separated from the upper stage “Fregat” and is now in orbit. The satellite carries 54 set accessories as well as a high-heat setting module for testing before installation on the next generation Global Navigation Satellite System spacecraft. This additional module is expected to improve the navigational accuracy of the constellation.
“With the spacecraft installed and maintained, stable telemetric communication systems on board the satellite ‘Glonass M’ [are] functioning normally,” said Colonel Alexei Zolotukhin, spokesman for the Russian Defense Ministry troops Aerospace Defense (ASD).