gf0012-aust

24 sats won't give them global racetrack redundancy at a meaningful level.

numerically, 24 will give them a global constellation - but thats about it.

and I seriously doubt that they will have 24 usable platforms in place - let alone a fully redundant constellation.

edit: and noticed highseas qualification after posting.

highsea

That's my take too, Gf.

Another big if is the planned GSLV launches. With a 50% success rate and only 4 launches under it's belt, and the next rocket planned to use the Indian cryo stage for the first time, I would not be counting chickens. Also due to the recent failure, the GSLV schedule is bound to be kicked back at least 8-12 months.

The next Proton launch should go off on schedule.

And whether or not the Glonass-K will be ready in time is not at all certain, and that would affect the planned Soyuz launches.

Based on what we have seen in the past, it seems prudent to be a bit "cautious" wrt the schedule, if you know what I mean...

__________________
My baby called me up. She said- Why don't you ever take me out? Pick me up in your brand new car....You shake the short change from the old fruit jar...

gf0012-aust

without wanting to upset the pro-russian platform club, the russians demonstrate stellar persistence in blowing out their schedules.

they are regularly 2-3-4 years in lag on major capital asset delivery at the CTD level, - let alone going "gold".

Bear in mind that the way that they wanted to short circuit the Glonas schedule was to invite India in as a participant. They are in no position to fast track anything.

highsea

That's why I mentioned the GSLV launches and Glonass-K. The current (pretty optimistic) schedule to get 18 sats by mid-2009 assumes no hitches on either side (and there is aready a serious hitch with GSLV)...

That's not something I would want to lay money on, lol.

gf0012-aust

I was tempted to make some reference to Yakhont/Glonas/Brahmos but thought better of it.

The russians really have sucker punched the indian military on a number of levels. If I was the Indian Ex-Chequer I'd have a few senior mil-personel's "nutz in a noose" and some "please explains" coming thick and fast.

All good for the russians though... as I said before, their marketing people (and their contract managers) deserve hefty bonuses....

highsea

Lol. Don't go there, Gary...

gf0012-aust

I have no intention I've getting caught up in return fire....

kams

Some time back India decided not to totally depend on either GPS or GLONASS and develop IRNSS with foot print over Indian Subcontinent.