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December 25, 2001

Russia has launched three more GLONASS navigation satellites, bringing the number operational to nine. Several others have ceased operating for several reasons over the last decade. GLONASS is the Russian version of GPS, but would need 24 operational satellites in order to provide its promised 10-meter navigation services. The new satellites were put into an 11,800-mile orbit inclined at 64.8 degrees. One of the newly-launched satellites is the first of a new type designed for a longer service life.--Stephen V Cole