The head of Roscosmos, Dmitry Rogozin, described the prospect of Russia being cut off from GPS as technically demanding within the context of U.S. sanctions. Speaking on Channel One, he emphasized that such a disconnection would be a formidable technical challenge for any nation aiming to sever access to the global positioning network while preserving global navigation capabilities for others.
The Roscosmos chief noted that Russia relies on its own Global Navigation Satellite System, GLONASS, to maintain precise navigation signals on a worldwide scale. He stressed that GLONASS is designed to provide reliable accuracy across the globe, contributing to an independent satellite-based positioning infrastructure for the country and its partners.
Rogozin pointed out that the GPS constellation cannot be selectively deactivated for Russia without affecting other regions, making a complete cutoff technically unfeasible. He explained that the political lever of sanctions would not easily translate into a targeted disruption of the satellite network, since the orbital arrangement and system architecture do not allow such a surgical shutdown.
According to Rogozin, the only realistic method to disrupt GPS within Russia would involve manipulating consumer devices at the chipset level to impair signal reception. He also highlighted that Russia operates around 25 satellites to support GLONASS, and he noted the complementary role of China’s BeiDou system along with GLONASS, which, together, are said to provide comprehensive global navigation signal coverage.
In his remarks, Rogozin suggested that the decision to switch off or maintain GPS usage is not a priority issue for Russia in this context. The official’s assessment reflects the belief that alternative navigational frameworks, combined with international cooperation, help ensure continuity in positioning and timing services even amid pressures on space-based infrastructure.
Earlier statements from Roscosmos leadership touched on planned space missions. Rogozin remarked on the ongoing discussion about a Russian mission to Mars previously linked to the European Space Agency’s ExoMars project. He explained that the mission would proceed without a rover, arguing that the lander itself would function as an independent research platform, and that including a rover would not be strictly necessary for the mission’s scientific goals. This stance underscores the broader strategic emphasis on autonomous instrument capabilities and reliable lander operations in deep-space exploration.
Overall, the comments underscore the country’s emphasis on maintaining autonomous navigation capabilities through GLONASS, while acknowledging the practical challenges posed by global satellite systems and international sanctions. The discussion also reflects broader space policy considerations, including how Russia plans to balance its own space infrastructure with collaboration and constraints within the international space community.