Russia is set to launch the high-detail imaging satellite Resurs-P from the Baikonur cosmodrome on March 31, according to sources cited by RIA News. The mission marks a continued push to advance Earth observation capabilities with very high resolution imaging.
Launch preparations for Resurs-P have already begun, and the satellite is capable of capturing images of the planet with a resolution of 70 centimeters. Industry plans indicate that a pair of Resurs-P class satellites were slated for deployment within 2024, expanding Russia’s capability to monitor surface changes with unprecedented detail.
Earlier announcements indicated a delay in the launch schedule for Russia’s first high-orbit GLONASS satellite, shifting the target to 2028. This update follows a sequence of revisions in the GLONASS program, reflecting ongoing developments in satellite positioning, navigation, and timing infrastructure.
There were previous plans to place a high-orbit space complex into service by 2025. As explained by Revnivykh, the envisioned constellation would consist of six spacecraft in inclined geosynchronous orbits, representing a strategic upgrade to the GLONASS network and its global coverage capabilities.
On December 27, Yuri Borisov, the head of Roscosmos, stated that the agency aims to produce up to 250 satellites per year. The outlook signals a strategic shift toward a more industrialized and scalable space sector, with a focus on increasing manufacturing throughput and accelerating program timelines.
Historically, researchers have warned about atmospheric impacts associated with high satellite density and debris. While the scientific community continues to study these concerns, the current Russian program emphasizes enhanced Earth observation, navigation, and space infrastructure as central priorities.