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The forum’s main aim is to inform the broader Russian and foreign audience about the situation in and plans for developing satellite navigation systems, state policy regarding commercial use of the GLONASS system, innovation technology and the latest navigation equipment.

Addressing the event, Mr Ivanov said that Russia is now able to meet its own satellite navigation needs. The GLONASS system is fully deployed with an orbital group of 28 satellites, 24 of which are in routine operation. The GLONASS signal can be picked up in every corner of the planet. More satellites will be added to the group to replace existing ones as needed.

Mr Ivanov also said that Russia will continue to develop international cooperation in satellite navigation. In particular, Russia will support its specialists’ participation in international organisations that formulate standards and recommendations for ensuring mutual compatibility between Russian navigation systems and other systems, and on improving the quality and reliability of navigation services. 

The earth-based measurement component of the GLONASS system abroad will eventually include 50 stations in 36 countries. This will make the system more competitive and guarantee more stable and precise operation. Only two such stations are currently in operation: one in Antarctica and one in Brazil.

Mr Ivanov noted that emergency and rescue services are already making active use of the GLONASS system. The system is also used for monitoring passenger and freight traffic, in land registration and law enforcement work.

At the NAVITECH-2014 exhibition, Mr Ivanov looked in particular at the multifunctional technology used by the personal satellite communications system Gonets. This system, based on satellites in low orbit, can provide communications services and cover parts of Russia not covered by the mobile telecommunications providers. Mr Ivanov saw a demonstration of a Gonets terminal, which transfers communication from the mobile system to the satellite system if the user leaves the mobile coverage area. An inbuilt GLONASS/GPS receiver identifies the user’s location. The Gonets system is also compatible with the ERA-GLONASS equipment used for emergency response in road accidents. 

The ERA-GLONASS system is currently in trial operation.

“We hope that ERA-GLONASS will be in industrial operation as from next year, and not just in Russia but also in the other Customs Union countries,” Mr Ivanov said.

Mr Ivanov noted that Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan have agreed to establish a common navigation space.