Satellite system of global navigation GLONASS starts working on Russian territory by the end of 2007. According to the information given by the head of RosCosmos Anatoly Perminov, by that time "GLONASS orbital group will count 18 satellites according to existing plan."
      
      Perminov also said that by the end of 2009 this system can be used all over the world. The global navigation satellite system GLONASS, which is equivalent to American GPS, is designed for providing navigational information and signals of the exact time both for military and civilian consumers. Said system is also used for geodetic and geological works.
      
      The group is expected to reach optimal working parameters and amount to 24 satellites by the year 2010. However, in the end of last year Russian president required faster deployment and adaptation of GLONASS for commercial purposes.
      
      Source: Voice of Russia