GLONASS facts for kids

GLONASS (which stands for Globalnaya Navigatsionnaya Sputnikovaya Sistema, meaning Global Navigation Satellite System) is like a super-smart system that uses satellites in space to help you find your way around. It's similar to the United States' Global Positioning System (GPS), and these two are the only systems that can guide you anywhere on Earth!

GLONASS is run by the Russian Defence Forces. Sometimes, special devices can even use both GLONASS and GPS at the same time. This makes finding your location even more accurate and faster!

What is GLONASS?

GLONASS is a system that uses signals from satellites orbiting Earth. These signals are picked up by special receivers, like the one in your phone or a car's navigation system. By measuring how long it takes for the signals to arrive from different satellites, the receiver can figure out exactly where it is on the planet.

How Does Satellite Navigation Work?

Imagine you have a few friends, and each friend knows exactly where they are. If you can measure how far you are from each of them, you can figure out your own spot! Satellite navigation works a bit like that.

• Satellites in Space: Many satellites fly high above Earth. Each one constantly sends out radio signals that contain information about its exact position and the time the signal was sent.
• Receivers on Earth: Your GLONASS or GPS receiver listens for these signals. It needs to hear from at least four satellites to get a very accurate location.
• Calculating Position: The receiver measures the tiny time difference between when the signal was sent and when it was received. Since radio signals travel at the speed of light, it can calculate the distance to each satellite. With distances to multiple satellites, the receiver can pinpoint its exact location on Earth.

Who Uses GLONASS?

GLONASS is used for many things, not just by the military.

• Transportation: Cars, trucks, ships, and airplanes use it for navigation.
• Mapping: It helps create accurate maps of the world.
• Search and Rescue: It can help locate people in emergencies.
• Science: Scientists use it for things like tracking weather patterns or studying Earth's crust.

GLONASS vs. GPS

Both GLONASS and GPS are global navigation satellite systems, but they were developed by different countries.

• GLONASS: Developed by the Soviet Union (now Russia).
• GPS: Developed by the United States.

Having two independent systems is useful because if one system has a problem, the other can still be used. Also, using both systems together can give you a stronger signal and a more precise location, especially in places where it's hard to get a clear view of the sky, like in cities with tall buildings.

Images for kids

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  One of the first Russian military GLONASS/GPS receivers from 2003.

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  A small device that combines GLONASS and GPS for personal use.

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  A model of the Glonass-K spacecraft, a newer type of GLONASS satellite.

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  This map shows the ground control stations that manage the GLONASS satellites.

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  A Russian stamp from 2016 featuring a GLONASS satellite.

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  A GLONASS receiver module, a small part inside a device that picks up satellite signals.

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  President Vladimir Putin looking at a GLONASS car navigation device. He supported the development of GLONASS.

See also

In Spanish: GLONASS para niños