The “Arctika-M“ No. 2 was put into operation, with which Russia was the first in the world to create a space system for monitoring the Arctic region, RIA Novosti reported.
„Today, April 27, 2024, the State Commission for Flight Tests of Space Complexes for Socio-Economic, Scientific and Commercial Purposes reviewed the flight test results of the highly elliptical hydrometeorological space system (VHCS) “Arctic-M“ with spacecraft (SC) "Arctic-M" "No. 2", the Roscosmos corporation notes.
Based on the results of the review, it was decided to complete the tests and put into operation "Arctic-M" No. 2. The Commission also decided to use the orbital grouping according to its intended purpose.
It is noted that Russia, for the first time in the world, has created a hydrometeorological space system that provides continuous monitoring of the Earth's Arctic region and adjacent territories.
The first Arktika-M satellite was launched into orbit in February 2021, and the second in December 2023. The two spacecraft provide round-the-clock monitoring of the surface and cloudiness of the Earth and seas in the Arctic region and adjacent territories, as well as constant and reliable exchange of meteorological information.
In addition, their equipment is used to locate ships, aircraft and other mobile objects in distress within the COSPAS-SARSAT international satellite search and rescue system.