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Three satellites in Russia’s competing system to the US Air Force based GPS system have crashed, leading Russian officials to question the efficacy of a GPS-type system. As a significant undertaking that has had numerous stumbles over the past, it may not be worth it, say some.

The rocket was attempting to reach a low-earth orbit of 112, but then crashed into the Pacific Ocean (near Hawaii). The satellites in question would have been the final steps of a satellite constellation. Such a constellation would have been Russia’s version of a GPS system. The crash occurred either due to a computer error or a fuel error.

Glonass and Russian Technological Independence
The system, called Glonass, has been a source of public funds under the Medvedev government for years. However, the President Dmitry Medvedev has assigned the prosecutor general’s office to ensure that funds have been used responsibly in the Glonass project. If the Russian GPS system funds have not been used in the way outlined in the Glonass project outline, then the prosecutor’s office will take action accordingly.

The Glonass sytem, which was greatly espoused by President Putin, would have helped Russia in its quest for technological independence. Currently, GPS systems and GPS tracking in Russia are performed via the Air Force’s GPS system in combination with the current Glonass satellites.

The Glonass system has been put on hold. Previously, Vladimir Putin had stated that all cars in 2012 would be equipped with Glonass systems. Putin, a major proponent of the system, even equipped his dog with a Glonass receiver to publicize the Glonass GPS rival.

The recent satellite crash leaves Russia without clear indication as to when it will be independent of the US-based GPS system.

Article Written by Greg Minton