Editing GLONASS (section)

=== First generation ===
{{main|GLONASS (satellite)}}

The true first generation of GLONASS (also called Uragan) satellites were all three-axis stabilized vehicles, generally weighing {{cvt|1250|kg}} and were equipped with a modest propulsion system to permit relocation within the constellation. Over time they were upgraded to Block IIa, IIb, and IIv vehicles, with each block containing evolutionary improvements.

Six Block IIa satellites were launched in 1985–1986 with improved time and frequency standards over the prototypes, and increased frequency stability. These spacecraft also demonstrated a 16-month average operational lifetime. Block IIb spacecraft, with a two-year design lifetimes, appeared in 1987, of which a total of 12 were launched, but half were lost in launch vehicle accidents. The six spacecraft that made it to orbit worked well, operating for an average of nearly 22 months.

Block IIv was the most prolific of the first generation. Used exclusively from 1988 to 2000, and continued to be included in launches through 2005, a total of 56 satellites were launched. The design life was three years, however numerous spacecraft exceeded this, with one late model lasting 68 months, nearly double.<ref>GLONASS #787, 68.7 operational months; as reported by RSA "GLONASS constellation status" on 6 April 2007</ref>

Block II satellites were typically launched three at a time from the [[Baikonur Cosmodrome]] using [[Proton-K]] [[Blok D|Blok-DM2]] or Proton-K [[Briz (rocket stage)|Briz-M]] boosters. The only exception was when, on two launches, an [[Etalon (satellite)|Etalon]] [[Satellite geodesy|geodetic reflector satellite]] was substituted for a GLONASS satellite.