The Soyuz-2.1b launcher, carrying the Fregat upper stage and the Luna-25 automatic lunar module, launched from the Vostochny spaceport. This mission marks the first attempt in modern Russian space history to reach a natural satellite of Earth with an automated spacecraft. The operation was coordinated and broadcast by Roscosmos, highlighting the significant milestone in the country’s lunar program.
Officials from the information state company confirmed that the rocket performed as planned. The Fregat upper stage separated from the core third stage and began delivering Luna-25 toward a flight orbit that will take the probe to the Moon. This sequence aligns with established mission architecture, which relies on the high-energy capabilities of the Soyuz-2.1b and the precise orbital insertion provided by Fregat to reach the lunar environment.
The last time a domestic lunar lander reached the Moon was Luna-24 in 1976, underscoring the prolonged interval between autonomous Russian lunar missions. Luna-25 represents a renewed effort to extend Russia’s presence in lunar exploration and to advance scientific objectives at the Moon’s surface.
Earlier statements indicated that Luna-25 and the Soyuz-2.1b launch system, integrated with the Fregat upper stage, were prepared for deployment at the Vostochny launch pad. The coordination involved in setting up this complex ensemble reflects the maturity of Russia’s space infrastructure and the confidence placed in proven propulsion and staging technologies to execute a precise lunar flight profile.
Before the launch, Roscosmos issued updates noting that the mission timeline had been adjusted from July to August to ensure that all project parameters met stringent reliability criteria. The delay was described as a prudent measure to maintain mission credibility and to align with the broader safety and validation checks required for a lunar-entry mission of this class.
In July, Luna-25 was transported to the Vostochny cosmodrome for final assembly and testing. The overarching aim of the project is to deploy an automated probe capable of conducting science-focused observations and surface investigations at the Moon’s southern polar region. The spacecraft is targeted to touch down in proximity to a rim region near a named crater, enabling detailed examination of the lunar terrain and nearby regolith.
Russian space researchers have long pursued lunar exploration, and Luna-25 is positioned to build on historical achievements while leveraging modern propulsion, autonomy, and navigation systems. The mission is designed to deliver high-resolution measurements and environmental data that will contribute to the broader understanding of the Moon and its polar processes while informing future international and national programs in outer space.
Overall, the Luna-25 mission illustrates continued dedication to lunar science and robotic exploration. The successful deployment of the lander would not only extend Russia’s active presence on the Moon but also provide valuable data that could guide subsequent missions and collaborative endeavors within the global space research community.