Hey space explorers! Roscosmos just announced it has wrapped up flight tests for the Ionozond system—a fleet of four Ionosfera-M satellites. 🚀
These high-tech probes are designed to unlock the secrets of Earth’s ionosphere. By measuring electromagnetic field fluctuations, atmospheric composition, and ozone levels in the upper layers, they’ll help scientists better understand space weather and protect satellites and astronauts from radiation.
Timeline check:
- Ionosfera-M No.1 & No.2 launched in November 2024 from Vostochny Cosmodrome aboard Soyuz-2.1b rockets.
- Ionosfera-M No.3 & No.4 joined the squad in July 2025, lifting off from the same site.
With flight tests complete, the next phase is commissioning. That means soon the Ionozond system will be fully operational, beaming back data to researchers and helping improve forecasts for geomagnetic storms—awesome news for anyone who relies on GPS, radio communications, or satellite imagery!
Stay tuned as Ionozond goes live and brings us a deeper dive into the dynamic region above our heads. 🌌
Reference(s):
Russia completes flight tests for 'Ionozond' satellite system
cgtn.com
