The Fregat upper stage, carrying the Ionosfera-M No. 3 and No. 4 satellites, has successfully separated from the third stage of the Soyuz-2.1b launch vehicle. The entire launch sequence was broadcast live by Roscosmos.
The launch vehicle lifted off at 08:54 Moscow time from the Vostochny Cosmodrome, located in the Amur Region. Following its separation, the Fregat upper stage is scheduled to perform two crucial engine burns to precisely place the satellites into their intended operational orbit.
The final deployment of the main satellites is anticipated to occur exactly 1 hour, 2 minutes, and 35 seconds after liftoff. In addition to the Ionosfera-M satellites, the Fregat is also transporting 18 small spacecraft, notably including one Iranian satellite. These smaller payloads will be deployed into their respective orbits using specialized containers provided by Aerospace Capital.
The newly launched Ionosfera-M No. 3 and No. 4 satellites are designed to integrate with the existing two spacecraft already part of the Ionozond system. This comprehensive system is dedicated to monitoring changes and phenomena within the Earth`s ionosphere, providing timely data on the heliogeophysical conditions, often referred to as “space weather.”
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth