The Russian government announced it will provide public access to previously classified Earth-sensing data received from domestic and foreign civilian satellites. A statement posted on governmental legal database portal says:
The Earth-sensing data received from civilian domestic and foreign satellites are no longer considered state secrets and it will be open to public access in line with the Russian legislation.
Russia’s satellite industry is a significant component of its aerospace sector, historically known for pioneering satellite technology since launching the first artificial satellite, Sputnik, in 1957. Today, the industry focuses on developing communication, navigation, and Earth observation satellites. Russian satellites play critical roles in global navigation systems like GLONASS, scientific research, weather forecasting, and military applications, demonstrating Russia’s ongoing influence and capability in space technology. Russia holds the third place globally in terms of the number of satellites in orbit.
Japan, Digital Globe, satellite image
Similar restrictions have been loosen around the world. In June 2014 the US government allowed for civic usage of satellite images containing more details. Previous restrictions stopped images with pixels smaller than 50 cm (1.64 feet). In case of US the change has been pushed by Digital Globe which is planning to launch satellites allowing to capture images with much higher resolution. I’m wondering who and why was lobbing for this legislation changes in Russia? Any ideas?
source: Sputnik news
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Space is calling – banner of GLONASS program
GLONASS, or Global Navigation Satellite System, is Russia’s answer to GPS, providing real-time positioning and timing services globally. Initiated by the Soviet Union in 1976, it became fully operational in 1995. The system is vital for both military and civilian applications, ensuring independence from American GPS. GLONASS supports numerous devices across various sectors, including telecommunications, emergency services, and transportation, enhancing navigation accuracy worldwide.
“Unclear” intervention in Crimea and eastern Ukraine pushed a number of governments to apply sanctions against Russian individuals and businesses. The sanctions are strongly hitting Russian economy which moves into recession. Also Russian global satellite navigation system GLONASS will suffer. Due to restrictions in the delivery of radiation-resistant electronic components from the West, GLONASS satellite manufacturer will cancel the program for building the new type of satellites called GLONASS-K2.
Nikolai Testoyedov, CEO of Information Satellite Systems Reshetnev, told the Russian magazine Vestnik GLONASS:
After the two GLONASS-K1 satellites No. 11 and 12, we wanted to go for the launch of more advanced GLONASS-K2 devices. But, unfortunately, the plans had to be adjusted somewhat because of the sanctions restricting the delivery of radiation-resistant electronic components from the West. We have to put a hold on the in-depth development of technical and technological documentation and that delays us in terms of moving ahead by at least a year or two.
This will not affect the functioning of the system which had achieved 100 percent coverage, with the full orbital constellation of 24 satellites operational in 2011.
source: GPS World
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