The Russian space agency Roscosmos will transfer control over the ground infrastructure of the Glonass global positioning system to the country's defense ministry later this year, Roscosmos head Igor Komarov, said Wednesday.

"Key problems have been solved... [The infrastructure will be handed over] this year," Komarov told reporters, answering a question on the subject.

Glonass is a satellite navigation system, which offers an alternative to the US Global Positioning System (GPS). The Glonass network provides real-time positioning and speed data for surface, sea and airborne objects around the globe.

The system currently consists of 28 satellites, of which 23 are operational, and a number of ground relay stations.

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Russia to Launch 44 Satellites Into Orbit by 2025 in $1.3 Bln Program

Russia is planning to orbit 44 satellites by 2025 with cost amounting to 87.4 billion rubles ($1.3 billion), Roscosmos State Corporation said Wednesday.

"In the period of 2016-2025, 44 space satellites will be put into orbit. The total volume of budget financing is 87.4 billion rubles," Roscosmos stated in documents provided to journalists.

Source: Sputnik News