On July 25, 2025, Russia successfully launched the Ionosfera-M No. 3 and No. 4 satellites aboard a Soyuz 2.1b rocket from the Vostochny Cosmodrome. This mission completes the Ionosfera-M constellation, a project aimed at studying Earth's ionosphere and magnetosphere to improve understanding of space weather phenomena.
The Ionosfera-M satellites are equipped with various scientific instruments designed to monitor the ionosphere's plasma, particles, and radiation. These instruments include spectrometers, a magnetometer, and a radio-wave sounder, all intended to provide valuable data on the effects of solar wind on near-Earth space.
In addition to the primary payload, the launch carried 18 secondary payloads, including 17 Russian-built CubeSats and Iran's Nahid-2 communications satellite. The deployment of these CubeSats signifies a growing trend towards accessible space exploration, fostering innovation and opening new avenues for research.
This mission underscores the importance of international collaboration in advancing space research and highlights the commitment to understanding the universe through shared knowledge and technological innovation.