MUNICH, Germany — While the European Commission calls the Galileo satellite navigation consortium to order over its permanent infighting, the Russian government moves ahead with its own system: Seven of 19 satellites of the GLONASS system are now in orbit and operating, reports the Russian news agency ITAR-TASS.

The agency quotes the analytical center of the Russian Central Engineering Institute with the announcement that before mid-April, another three satellites presently inactive will resume operations.

According to the center, presently twelve satellites beyond the seven ones in operation are orbiting but are either are in the stage of putting them into operation or suspended. The seven operational satellites permit to provide navigational information to eight percent of the Russian territory. After completing preventive maintenance, one satellite will resume activities on April 6, while two others presently suspended from operation will be put back into action by mid-April. The lift-off of another six satellites is planned for this year.

In order to cover the entire Russian territory, 18 operating satellites are required. With 24 spacecrafts, the system would achieve worldwide coverage.

While the number of active satellites is scheduled to be increased to 18 in the second half of 2007, the Russian Federal Space Agency plans to reach the final stage of implementing the entire 24-satellite GLONASS system by 2011 - which means that even in the unlikely case that the Galileo system roll-out goes off without a hitch, the competing GLONASS system will already be in place when Galileo will be ready to work.

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