Russia despatched two new Ionosfera-M satellites into orbit on a Soyuz-2 on July 25, 2025. Rocket 1b from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Siberia. The mission additionally positioned Iran’s Nahid-2 communications satellite tv for pc in orbit. These satellites will complement a four-satellite constellation geared toward conserving monitor of Earth’s higher environment and house climate circumstances, significantly the photo voltaic wind that may knock satellites and communications methods offline. The flight signifies Russia’s scientific ambitions and collaboration with Iran’s house program, exhibiting Russia’s operate in launching Tehran’s orbital property. Each nations achieve from the collaborative mission.
Russian House Climate Satellites
According to official sources, Russia’s new Ionosfera-M probes, 3 and 4, observe two an identical satellites launched in November 2024. Collectively the 4 craft type a mini-constellation orbiting about 820 kilometers above Earth. The community is explicitly designed to check house climate within the ionosphere, the charged higher environment.
It is going to monitor solar wind and associated phenomena that may disturb communications and navigation methods. The newest pair is being inserted into an orbital airplane perpendicular to the primary two, significantly increasing three-dimensional protection of near-Earth house. Additionally they carry a brand new Ozonometr-TM instrument to measure upper-atmosphere ozone for the primary time on this mission.
Iranian Payload and Worldwide Implications
An Iranian communications satellite tv for pc, Nahid-2, was additionally aboard the Soyuz mission.Nahid-2 is meant to bolster Iran’s civilian communications in house, an necessary functionality given Iran’s restricted homegrown launch capabilities. Russia’s position within the supply of the payload displays cooperation between the nations in house know-how.
With the assistance of Russia, Iran can proceed its satellite tv for pc constructing efforts, regardless that these are restricted by the worldwide group from additionally involving rocket export limitations. That Moscow has such a product even whereas Iran is below sanctions underscores the depth of their two-nation house partnership. This mission represents Russia’s assist for ally’s space aspirations and the broader geopolitical implications of such collaborative efforts.