How many satellites are in the operational GLONASS system?

How many satellites are in the operational GLONASS system?

• A. 24+ satellites in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)
• B. 12 satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
• C. 30 satellites in Geostationary Orbit (GEO)
• D. 8 satellites in Sun-synchronous Orbit (SSO)

Answer: (A)

The key idea is the size and orbit of GLONASS’s working constellation. GLONASS satellites operate in Medium Earth Orbit, roughly 19,000 km above the Earth, arranged in eight orbital planes with three satellites in each plane. That design yields 24 satellites in operation. In practice there can be more than 24 in operation because spares and newer satellites may be added or replacing older ones, so you’ll often hear “24+.” This setup contrasts with LEO, GEO, or Sun-synchronous orbits, which GLONASS does not use.

The key idea is the size and orbit of GLONASS’s working constellation. GLONASS satellites operate in Medium Earth Orbit, roughly 19,000 km above the Earth, arranged in eight orbital planes with three satellites in each plane. That design yields 24 satellites in operation. In practice there can be more than 24 in operation because spares and newer satellites may be added or replacing older ones, so you’ll often hear “24+.” This setup contrasts with LEO, GEO, or Sun-synchronous orbits, which GLONASS does not use.