Archive · 29 Dec 2025
Russia Launches 52 Satellites, Including 3 Iranian Spacecraft
Russia launched a big rocket with 52 small satellites.
Two of them are called Aist-2T and will take pictures of Earth to help with things like finding fires and floods.
The other 50 are tiny satellites from Russian universities that will study the weather and space.
At the same time, Russia also helped Iran put three of their own satellites into space.
These Iranian satellites will help with farming, water, and the environment.
Iran and Russia are working together more, especially after some recent conflicts in the area.
The United States has said that Iran's satellite launch does not fall with the UN Security Council resolution.
Russia launched a Soyuz-2.1b rocket carrying 52 satellites from the Vostochny spaceport.
The payload includes two Aist-2T satellites for Earth observation and 50 smaller CubeSats for climate and space weather studies.
In a separate launch, Russia sent three Iranian satellites (Paya, Kowsar, Zafar-2) into a 500-kilometer orbit.
The Iranian satellites will be used for managing water resources, agriculture, and environmental monitoring.
Russia and Iran have strengthened their partnership, with Russia condemning recent strikes on Iran and launching its satellite.
- Who
- Russia and Iran
- What
- Launched 52 satellites, including 3 Iranian spacecraft
- When
- Sunday (specific date not provided)
- Where
- Vostochny spaceport, Russia
- Why
- To monitor Earth’s surface, study climate change, and manage resources
Russia and Iran
United States
Satellite Launches and UNSC Resolution
Russia and Iran
Russia and Iran view the satellite launches as a legitimate scientific and technological endeavor, strengthening their strategic partnership.
United States
The United States argues that Iran's satellite launches violate the spirit of the UN Security Council resolution, despite the expiration of related sanctions in 2023.
- Rocket Type
- Soyuz-2.1b
- Launch Location
- Vostochny spaceport
- Total Satellites Launched
- 52
- Aist-2T Satellites
- 2
- Universat CubeSats
- 50
- Iranian Satellites
- Paya, Kowsar, Zafar-2
- Orbit Altitude
- 500 kilometers
- Satellite Lifespan
- Up to 5 years
- Paya Satellite Weight
- 150 kilograms (330 pounds)
- Kowsar Satellite Weight
- 35 kilograms (77 pounds)
- Zafar-2 Satellite Weight
- Not specified
- Satellite Image Resolution
- Up to 3 meters
