Glonass (Global Navigation Satellite System) is the Russian equivalent 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.
A fully operational Glonass constellation will consist of 24 Glonass-M and Glonass-K satellites by 2010, with 21 used for transmitting signals and three for on-orbit spares, deployed in three orbital planes.
The system now consists of 18 satellites and is capable of providing navigation and positioning data covering the whole territory of the Russian Federation.
A device for pets will be launched next year, said Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at a presidential briefing on Monday, while Putin said: "I'll be able to buy one for my dog, Connie, so that she doesn't run away."
Connie gained fame in 2005 after a book of Russian stories about the black Labrador was published for children in Russia. Written in English for young students, 'Connie's Stories' relates the adventures of the popular pooch.
GPS systems have become popular for pets in recent years, especially in the U.S., in response to the growing popularity of 'dognapping' rare and expensive breeds of dogs.
