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Soyuz-2.1b From Vostochny Deploys Aist-2T Pair as Fregat Releases Rideshare Payloads

The twin Earth-imaging craft will fly in tandem to improve stereoscopic terrain mapping for disaster monitoring.

Overview

  • The rocket lifted off at 16:18 Moscow time and placed the Fregat upper stage in orbit about nine and a half minutes later.
  • Roskosmos confirmed both Aist-2T satellites separated to their planned orbit roughly one hour after launch.
  • Fregat is maneuvering to deliver 50 additional small spacecraft, including university-built CubeSats from MSU’s Skobeltsyn Institute, Bauman MSTU, SPbPU, FEFU and Amur State University.
  • MSU’s 16U Skorpion, described as Russia’s largest CubeSat, reached its target orbit and is preparing for science operations with first data expected in early 2026.
  • The mission was designated the final Russian orbital launch of 2025.