Russia's state space corporation Roscosmos announced on Saturday that it has wrapped up flight tests for its 'Ionozond' space system, clearing the way for the commissioning phase.
Last year, the first two Ionosfera-M satellites launched into orbit in November 2024 aboard a Soyuz-2.1b rocket from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia's Far East. This year, in July 2025, the second pair joined them, also aboard a Soyuz-2.1b from Vostochny.
According to Roscosmos, the State Commission has decided to conclude the flight tests of the four Ionosfera-M satellites. The next phase is commissioning. Once operational, the Ionozond system will enable scientists to study the ionosphere's structure, electromagnetic field fluctuations, atmospheric composition and ozone distribution in upper layers, as well as support radiation environment monitoring.
As the Ionozond constellation moves into commissioning, researchers around the world will soon gain access to fresh insights on the dynamics of Earth's upper atmosphere and the space weather processes that impact modern technology.
Reference(s):
Russia completes flight tests for 'Ionozond' satellite system
cgtn.com
