Arktika-M Second Satellite Launch Expands Arctic Monitoring Capabilities
The second Arktika-M meteorological satellite has reached orbit, marking a significant step in Russia’s ongoing effort to improve weather data collection and environmental monitoring. The achievement was disclosed via the official Telegram channel of the state company Roscosmos.
According to the official report, the Soyuz-2.1b rocket lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on December 16 at 12:17 Moscow time. The vehicle carried the hydrometeorological satellite into space, placing it into its designated high-elliptical orbit to maximize data collection over northern latitudes.
Officials stated that two Arktika-M satellites will now operate in orbit to monitor both the Earth’s surface and the Arctic Ocean. This pairing is designed to provide broader coverage and more frequent data points for weather and climate assessments in the region.
RIA Novosti reported that the satellite was delivered into its planned highly elliptical trajectory. Nikolai Ilyin, who serves as the project manager for the orbital program at the NPO Lavochkin, stressed that the new asset will enable Russian scientists to observe the North Pole with greater clarity and detail. Improved imaging and data transmission will enhance the ability to track atmospheric and surface processes in the Arctic environment.
Looking ahead, the program anticipates the deployment of two additional Arktika-M satellites by 2031. An official source linked to the agency indicated that the expanded constellation will cut the intervals between successive surveys of the Earth’s surface, increasing the frequency of observations and improving the timeliness of data available for meteorological and environmental analyses.
As Ilyin noted, the expanded fleet will shorten the time required to detect tundra fires and enable meteorologists to generate more precise weather forecasts up to three hours ahead. The increased satellite coverage will also aid in the early identification and tracking of medium-sized cyclones, which pose challenges for Arctic weather prediction and navigation in northern seas.
There has been discussion in international media about challenges faced by climate observation satellites. Earlier reports in the British press mentioned concerns regarding a major climate observation satellite, underscoring the global interest in reliable, long-term data for climate science and atmospheric research. These discussions highlight the critical role of robust satellite systems in supporting weather forecasting, environmental monitoring, and climate trend analysis across the Arctic and beyond.
In summary, the deployment of the second Arktika-M satellite reinforces Russia’s commitment to expanding its Arctic observation capabilities. With two satellites now actively monitoring the region and plans for two more by the end of the decade, the program aims to provide higher-resolution data, faster updates, and more actionable insights for weather services, researchers, and decision-makers who rely on accurate Arctic information.