July 25, 2025
Roscosmos announced that its Soyuz-2.1b rocket successfully launched two heliogeophysical satellites, Ionosphere-M, into orbit from the Vostochny Cosmodrome.
Satellites `Ionosphere-M` No. 3 and No. 4 reached their designated orbit and separated from the Fregat upper stage, according to the official statement. The Soyuz-2.1b rocket lifted off on July 25, 2025, at 8:54 AM Moscow time. The Fregat upper stage detached from the rocket`s third stage nine minutes and 24 seconds after launch. Subsequently, Fregat performed two engine burns to accurately deliver the satellites to their intended orbits.
As secondary payloads, the mission also carried 18 small spacecraft. Half of these were developed by the company Geoscan, and one notable addition was the Iranian telecommunications satellite NAHID-2.
The initial two Ionosphere-M satellites were launched from Vostochny on November 5, 2024, and have already successfully completed their state tests. These satellites, each weighing over 400 kilograms, operate in an orbit with an altitude of 820 kilometers.
All four satellites, including the pair launched today, will form the comprehensive `Ionosonde` system. This system is designed to monitor changes and phenomena within the ionosphere and to swiftly provide data on heliogeophysical conditions, commonly referred to as `space weather`.
This launch marked the first from Vostochny in 2025 and the 20th in the cosmodrome`s history. Overall, it represents the ninth launch within Russia`s space program this year.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth