Russia has launched two satellites into orbit aboard a Soyuz-2.1b rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in the Arkhangelsk region, marking another step in the country’s expanding space operations. The launch took place at 10:00 Moscow time on 13 September 2025 and was conducted by the Russian Aerospace Forces. According to the Russian Ministry of Defence, the rocket successfully placed a military navigation satellite, GLONASS-K No. 18L, into its intended orbit.
This satellite will operate as part of the GLONASS satellite navigation constellation, Russia’s counterpart to the United States’ GPS system. It has been designated Kosmos-2595 following its successful deployment. The launch was monitored by ground-based assets of the Russian Space Forces, which confirmed that all systems performed nominally. GLONASS-K is the latest generation of navigation satellites under the Russian Global Navigation Satellite System program. The K-series offers improved precision and longer operational lifespans compared to earlier models.
Each GLONASS-K satellite weighs approximately 935 to 974 kilograms and is equipped to generate onboard power of up to 1,600 watts. The spacecraft is designed for medium Earth orbit and features updated atomic clocks and enhanced data transmission capabilities. Also aboard the Soyuz-2.1b launch was a secondary payload, Mozhaets-6, a small research and education satellite developed by students and faculty at the Mozhaisky Military Space Academy. It has been officially designated Kosmos-2596. The satellite was created as part of a broader initiative to involve military academic institutions in space technology development and research.
Defence Ministry confirms successful launch sequence
Mozhaets-6 is intended for testing astronavigation algorithms and conducting onboard systems experiments. The Ministry of Defence stated that the satellite had completed all pre-launch integration and checks at the launch site in the weeks leading up to liftoff. This marks the continuation of the Mozhaets satellite series, which has historically supported student-led initiatives in orbital research. Flight restrictions were issued in advance of the launch, affecting certain maritime zones due to the expected deorbiting of the rocket’s upper stage.
The notices advised aircraft and maritime operators to avoid designated areas during the scheduled launch window. No incidents were reported during or after the launch sequence, and Russian authorities confirmed that debris from the upper stage fell in predetermined zones without affecting populated areas. The launch was conducted from Site 43/3 at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, a military-operated facility in northwestern Russia that has served as the country’s primary site for military satellite launches since the Soviet era.
Launch marks another milestone for Plesetsk Cosmodrome
This mission represents the latest use of the Soyuz-2.1b launch vehicle, which is widely used for both military and civilian payloads due to its reliability and payload capacity. This launch follows a similar mission carried out in May 2025, when the Russian Aerospace Forces deployed another military satellite using the same rocket model from the same facility. The GLONASS system currently comprises dozens of operational satellites, and the deployment of GLONASS-K No. 18L is part of an ongoing effort to maintain and modernize that infrastructure.
The Russian Defence Ministry reported that both satellites are functioning nominally and have successfully established stable communications with ground control stations. Their systems will undergo a comprehensive series of post-launch diagnostics and performance evaluations over the coming days before they are cleared to begin full-scale operational duties in orbit, including navigation signal calibration and system integration checks. – By EuroWire News Desk.