World's first space system for continual observation of Arctic launched in operation - Roscosmos

MOSCOW. April 27 (Interfax) - The world's first space system for observation of the Arctic region composed of two Arctika-M hydrometeorological satellites has been created in Russia, Roscosmos said on Saturday.

"The state commission for flight tests of socio-economic, scientific and commercial space systems considered the results of the flight systems of the high elliptical hydrometeorological space system Arktika-M with the Arktika-M # 2 spacecraft on April 27, 2024," the press service for the space corporation said.

The commission decided "to complete the tests with the launch into operation of the spacecraft Arktika-M #2 and its use according to the purpose of the orbital group composed of the Arktika-M #1 and #2 spacecraft," it said.

"The Russian Federation has created the world's first hydrometeorological space system that ensured continual observation of the Arctic region of Earth and the adjacent territories," Roscosmos said.

The first Arktika-M spacecraft was launched on February 28, 2021 from Baikonur Cosmodrome, and the second one was launched on December 16, 2023.

The Arktika-M spacecraft is intended for climate and environment monitoring in the Arctic region. The minimal necessary composition of the system is two satellites.

Roscosmos said on December 16, 2022 it would increase the group of Arktika-M satellites from the planned two to four. It was also reported that the development of the Arktika-M hydrometeorological spacecraft would start in 2026.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said on April 22 the reinforcement of the group of Arktika-M satellites will also improve round-the-clock monitoring of the Northern Sea Route.