GLONASS

Uncommon card · No. 107087

The Global Navigation Satellite System (Russian: Глобальная навигационная спутниковая система, romanized: Global'naya Navigatsionnaya Sputnikovaya Sistema), usually referred to by the acronym GLONASS (ГЛОНАСС, IPA: [ɡɫɐˈnas]), is a Russian satellite navigation system operating as part of a radionavigation-satellite service. It provides an alternative to the Global Positioning System (GPS) and was the second navigational system in operation with global coverage and of comparable precision. Satellite navigation devices supporting both GPS and GLONASS have more satellites available, meaning positions can be fixed more quickly and accurately, especially in built-up areas where buildings may obscure the view to some satellites. Owing to its higher orbital inclination, GLONASS supplementation of GPS systems also improves positioning in high latitudes (near the poles). Development of GLONASS began in the Soviet Union in 1976. Beginning on 12 October 1982, numerous rocket launches added satellites...

Read on Wikipedia