From correspondents in Moscow
May 24, 2007
NAVIGATING devices using Russian satellites will appear in the shops this year as the first alternative to the widely used GPS network of the United States, officials said overnight.
"The individual devices receiving signals from Glonass will appear in shops in our country by the end of this year," Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov said.
The Glonass satellite network, which is also used by the Russian military, was set up to compete with the US' GPS network, which is widely used around the world, and Europe's planned Galileo system.
But development of the system has lagged behind schedule, and Mr Ivanov conceded that it would only have global coverage - with a planned total of 24 satellites - by 2009.
The Russian devices, which will also receive signals from the GPS network, can be used by planes, ships, armoured vehicles and trains, as well as by individual users, Mr Ivanov said.
Source: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21785808-1702,00.html
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Space official says Glonass to equal precision of GPS by 2011
MOSCOW REGION, May 24 (RIA Novosti) - A senior space official said Thursday Russia's Glonass global positioning system should reach the same precision level as the U.S. Global Positioning System (GPS) by 2011.Glonass is designed for both military and civilian use, allowing users to identify their positions in real time.
A deputy director of the Federal Space Agency, Yury Nosenko, speaking at a news conference with top designers of Glonass in the Moscow Region, said: "Our aim is to improve the precision of the Glonass system's operations for civilian users down to one meter by 2011. The American GPS system is already working at this precision level."
When the improved Glonass-K satellites with a 10-year service life are complete, the system will be as good as GPS, and users will be able to use both systems, Nosenko said.
A total of $380 million in 2007 federal budget funds was allocated for Glonass, compared to last year's $181 million. The first launch under the Glonass program took place October 12, 1982, but the system was only formally launched on September 24, 1993.
The satellites currently in use are of two modifications - Glonass and its updated version Glonass-M. The latter has a longer service life of seven years and is equipped with updated antenna feeder systems and an additional navigation frequency for civilian users.
Nikolai Testoyedov, the head of NPO Reshetnev, a state-controlled company that builds satellites for Glonass, told the news conference that six Glonass-M satellites will be put into orbit by Proton carrier rockets by the end of 2007. Another six satellites will be added to the Glonass system in 2008, and the first two improved Glonass-K satellites will be launched in 2009.
The future modification, Glonass-K, is an entirely new model based on a non-pressurized platform, standardized to the specifications of the previous models' platform, Express-1000.
Source: http://en.rian.ru/russia/20070524/66028312.html
Ukraine and Russia to cooperate in GLONASS
RBC, 24.05.2007, Kiev 09:53:46.Ukraine and Russia have discussed the prospects of cooperation in setting up ground infrastructure to make it possible for Russian and Ukrainian consumers to use GLONASS and other navigation satellite systems, Ukrainian National Space Agency General Director Yury Alekseyev told journalists today following a space industry meeting in Moscow on May 17-18.
According to Alekseyev, practical steps have been planned to start work on establishing ground infrastructure, including a trial launch of a fragment of the system on Ukraine and Russia's bordering territories, Crimea and the Krasnodar region, as early as 2008.
Source: http://www.rbcnews.com/free/20070524095346.shtml
According to Alekseyev, practical steps have been planned to start work on establishing ground infrastructure, including a trial launch of a fragment of the system on Ukraine and Russia's bordering territories, Crimea and the Krasnodar region, as early as 2008.
Source: http://www.rbcnews.com/free/20070524095346.shtml
Friday, May 18, 2007
Putin makes Glonass navigation system free for customers
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed Friday a decree on the Glonass navigation system to provide the service free for customers, the Kremlin press service said.Glonass is a Russian version of the U.S. Global Positioning System (GPS), which is designed for both military and civilian use, and allows users to identify their positions in real time. The system can also be used in geological prospecting.
“Access to civilian navigation signals of global navigation satellite system Glonass is provided to Russian and foreign consumers free of charge and without limitations,” the presidential decree reads.
In line with the decree, satellite navigation equipment bought for federal bodies of executive power and organizations subordinate to them should operate using Glonass signals.
Putin charged the Federal Space Agency with coordinating work to maintain, develop and use the system for civilian and commercial needs.
The head of the space agency said in April Russia will bring the number of satellites comprising its Glonass navigation system to 18 by the end of 2007.
Anatoly Perminov said then a full orbital group of 24 satellites will be ready for global coverage by the end of 2009, but even with 18 satellites in orbit it will be able to start providing services for military and civilian users, covering Russian territory.
A total of $380 million has been appropriated for Glonass from the federal budget in 2007, and $181 million in 2006.
The space agency head also said that Glonass will be fully integrated with the U.S. GPS and European Galileo satellite navigation systems.
“We will ensure the compatibility and complimentary use of the Russian Glonass system with the American GPS, and later with the European Galileo systems,” he said.
The first launch under the Glonass program took place October 12, 1982, but the system was only formally launched September 24, 1993.
The satellites currently in use are of two modifications - Glonass and its updated version Glonass-M. The latter has a longer service life of seven years and is equipped with updated antenna feeder systems and an additional navigation frequency for civilian users.
A future modification, Glonass-K, is an entirely new model based on a non-pressurized platform, standardized to the specifications of the previous models’ platform, Express-1000.
Glonass-Ks’ estimated service life has been increased to 10-12 years, and a third, “civilian” L-range frequency has been added.
Source: RIA Novosti
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
First Russian PDA For Military Purposes
Russian research-and-production company “Technica-Service” has announced its plans for 2007 – launching production of a palm computer “Kulon” in hardened shell and with embedded GPS receiver.First Russian portable digital assistant “for military purposes” is based upon PX270 processor with frequency of 624 MHz. The device also has a VGA-display, and palm owners will be able to choose between two operational systems: Windows CE.net 5.0 and Windows Mobile 2005.
GPS receiver is already built in the palm, and developers claim to produce PDAs with receivers for both GPS and GLONASS navigation systems.
However, developers said nothing about whether their device will have any components, produced in Russia.
Source: http://www.russia-ic.com/news/show/3968/
Ivanov urges measures to enhance competitiveness of GLONASS
SYKTYVKAR, May 15 (Itar-Tass) -- Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov has urged safeguarding Russia’s interests in space exploration and development, including the competitiveness of the GLONASS satellite navigation system.
“We must and we shall work seriously on our GLONASS system,” Ivanov told a student audience at a college in Syktyvkar.
“We should literally elbow our way through to safeguard our interests. We should work really hard, if we want to be competitive,” Ivanov said, adding that the GPS navigation system was already operational and its European counterpart Galileo was in the creation phase.
Source: http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=11529482&PageNum=0
“We must and we shall work seriously on our GLONASS system,” Ivanov told a student audience at a college in Syktyvkar.
“We should literally elbow our way through to safeguard our interests. We should work really hard, if we want to be competitive,” Ivanov said, adding that the GPS navigation system was already operational and its European counterpart Galileo was in the creation phase.
Source: http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=11529482&PageNum=0
Monday, May 14, 2007
NovAtel Inc. Licensed to Sell Galileo Receivers
CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- May 14, 2007 -- NovAtel Inc. (NASDAQ: NGPS), a precise positioning technology company, has received a license valid for 10 years from the European Space Agency (ESA), which allows NovAtel to sell receivers that track Galileo signals. Galileo is the European Union's state-of-the-art Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), which is expected to be fully operable in 2010 to 2012 with up to 30 satellites orbiting the earth. It is designed for both civilian and government purposes and will be controlled and operated by civil management.
NovAtel's EuroPak-15a production standard receiver allows customers to not only receive GPS L1/L5 signals, but to also add the additional capability for Galileo L1/E5a tracking. "NovAtel's 10-year license granted by ESA is renewable, and allows NovAtel to sell Galileo/GIOVE-A capable receivers. This full license replaces a previous temporary agreement granted by ESA in March of this year. We are now able to move forward with commercial sales of Galileo-capable receivers," said Tony Murfin, NovAtel's Vice President, Business Development. "The EuroPak-15a is able to receive signals from the initial GIOVE-A test satellite, and will also support future planned In-Orbit Validation (IOV) signal structures."
NovAtel received this license based on its participation in the Galileo Receiver Chain (GRC) program. NovAtel has contributed to the Galileo development program since 2000, and the EuroPak-15a receivers were initially developed under a contract granted by the Canadian Space Agency in 2004. Recently, NovAtel announced that it was the first company outside Europe to be accepted as a Full Member of Galileo Services, a non-profit organization made up of a consortium of businesses and agencies involved with Galileo satellite system downstream technology and services.
About NovAtel
NovAtel Inc. (NASDAQ: NGPS) is a leading provider of precision Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) components and subsystems that afford its customers rapid integration of precise positioning technology. The Company's mission is to provide exceptional return on investment and outstanding service to our customers. An ISO 9001 certified company, NovAtel is focused on developing quality OEM products including receivers, antennas, enclosures and software that are integrated into high precision positioning applications worldwide. These applications include surveying, Geographical Information System (GIS) mapping, precision agriculture machine guidance, port automation, mining, marine and defence industries. NovAtel's reference receivers are also at the core of national aviation ground networks in the USA, Japan, Europe, China and India. The Company is committed to providing its customers with advanced positioning technology through significant R&D investment focusing on the modernized Global Positioning System (GPS), the revitalized Russian GLONASS and the emerging European Galileo satellite systems, as well as the integration of additional complementary technologies such as Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs). For more information, visit www.novatel.com.
Certain statements in this news release, including those about the Company's future plans and intentions, future performance and market acceptance of its Galileo technology and expected shipments into the Galileo system, long-term growth prospects, levels of activity or other future events, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but rather on management's current expectations regarding NovAtel's future growth, results of operations, performance, future capital and other expenditures, competitive advantages, business prospects and opportunities. Wherever possible, words such as ''anticipate'', ''believe'', ''expect'', ''may'', ''could'', ''will'', ''potential'', ''intend'', ''estimate'', ''should'', ''plan'', ''predict'', "forecast" or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements, including operating results of the Company's joint venture Point, Inc. ("Point"), impact and timing of large orders, U.S. dollar to Canadian dollar exchange rate fluctuations, establishing and maintaining effective distribution channels, certification and market acceptance of NovAtel's new products, credit risks of customers and the Company's joint venture Point, pricing pressures in the market and other competitive factors, maintaining technological leadership, timing of revenue recognition in connection with certain contracts, the ability to maintain supply of products from subcontract manufacturers, the procurement of components to build products, product defects, the impact of industry consolidations, vulnerability to general economic, market and business conditions, competition, environmental and other actions by governmental authorities, reliance on key personnel and other factors described in the Company's Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2005 and other SEC filings, many of which are beyond the control of NovAtel. These factors should be considered carefully and undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and NovAtel assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances.
Contacts:
NovAtel Inc.
Tony Murfin
(403) 295-4512
NovAtel Inc.
Sonia Ross
(403) 295-4532
Website: www.novatel.com
SOURCE: NovAtel Inc.
NovAtel's EuroPak-15a production standard receiver allows customers to not only receive GPS L1/L5 signals, but to also add the additional capability for Galileo L1/E5a tracking. "NovAtel's 10-year license granted by ESA is renewable, and allows NovAtel to sell Galileo/GIOVE-A capable receivers. This full license replaces a previous temporary agreement granted by ESA in March of this year. We are now able to move forward with commercial sales of Galileo-capable receivers," said Tony Murfin, NovAtel's Vice President, Business Development. "The EuroPak-15a is able to receive signals from the initial GIOVE-A test satellite, and will also support future planned In-Orbit Validation (IOV) signal structures."
NovAtel received this license based on its participation in the Galileo Receiver Chain (GRC) program. NovAtel has contributed to the Galileo development program since 2000, and the EuroPak-15a receivers were initially developed under a contract granted by the Canadian Space Agency in 2004. Recently, NovAtel announced that it was the first company outside Europe to be accepted as a Full Member of Galileo Services, a non-profit organization made up of a consortium of businesses and agencies involved with Galileo satellite system downstream technology and services.
About NovAtel
NovAtel Inc. (NASDAQ: NGPS) is a leading provider of precision Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) components and subsystems that afford its customers rapid integration of precise positioning technology. The Company's mission is to provide exceptional return on investment and outstanding service to our customers. An ISO 9001 certified company, NovAtel is focused on developing quality OEM products including receivers, antennas, enclosures and software that are integrated into high precision positioning applications worldwide. These applications include surveying, Geographical Information System (GIS) mapping, precision agriculture machine guidance, port automation, mining, marine and defence industries. NovAtel's reference receivers are also at the core of national aviation ground networks in the USA, Japan, Europe, China and India. The Company is committed to providing its customers with advanced positioning technology through significant R&D investment focusing on the modernized Global Positioning System (GPS), the revitalized Russian GLONASS and the emerging European Galileo satellite systems, as well as the integration of additional complementary technologies such as Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs). For more information, visit www.novatel.com.
Certain statements in this news release, including those about the Company's future plans and intentions, future performance and market acceptance of its Galileo technology and expected shipments into the Galileo system, long-term growth prospects, levels of activity or other future events, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but rather on management's current expectations regarding NovAtel's future growth, results of operations, performance, future capital and other expenditures, competitive advantages, business prospects and opportunities. Wherever possible, words such as ''anticipate'', ''believe'', ''expect'', ''may'', ''could'', ''will'', ''potential'', ''intend'', ''estimate'', ''should'', ''plan'', ''predict'', "forecast" or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements, including operating results of the Company's joint venture Point, Inc. ("Point"), impact and timing of large orders, U.S. dollar to Canadian dollar exchange rate fluctuations, establishing and maintaining effective distribution channels, certification and market acceptance of NovAtel's new products, credit risks of customers and the Company's joint venture Point, pricing pressures in the market and other competitive factors, maintaining technological leadership, timing of revenue recognition in connection with certain contracts, the ability to maintain supply of products from subcontract manufacturers, the procurement of components to build products, product defects, the impact of industry consolidations, vulnerability to general economic, market and business conditions, competition, environmental and other actions by governmental authorities, reliance on key personnel and other factors described in the Company's Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2005 and other SEC filings, many of which are beyond the control of NovAtel. These factors should be considered carefully and undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and NovAtel assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances.
Contacts:
NovAtel Inc.
Tony Murfin
(403) 295-4512
NovAtel Inc.
Sonia Ross
(403) 295-4532
Website: www.novatel.com
SOURCE: NovAtel Inc.
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