Russia, intent on asserting itself as a Superpower 2.0 in so many ways, is in the finishing stages of building out its own GPS system. Putin Inc. launched a rocket yesterday with the final three satellites the country will need to create a navigation system to rival the American-maintained system relied on by everyone from cab drivers to deer hunters.
The military-run GLONASS (Did somone say something funny, Mr. Comedian? Hmm? Hmm?) mapping system already works over most of Russia and is expected to blanket the world by the end of 2009, once all 24 satellites are operational.
Russia launches final satellites for its own GPS [Reuters]
