7- GLONASS- $4.7 billion
Number seven is another Russian space-based satellite navigation system. Russians began developing the GLONASS in the Soviet Union in 1976.
It provides an alternative to GPS and is the second alternative navigational system in operation with global coverage and of comparable precision.
Under Vladimir Putin’s order and presidency, some restorations of the system have been made as a top government priority and the funds were increased.
GLONASS is the most expensive program of the Russian Federal Space Agency, consuming a third of its budget in 2010.
Other $10 billion were allocated for GLONASS from 2012 to 2020. GLONASS has achieved 100% coverage of Russia’s territory.
In October 2011, the full orbital constellations of 24 satellites were restored, enabling global coverage.
