Around 100 Zorky-2M satellites may be launched into orbit by 2031

MOSCOW. Jan 16 (Interfax) - Around 100 Zorky-2M small remote Earth sensing satellites are expected to be launched into orbit by 2031.

"The base parameters of the program are 99 satellites by 2031," according to materials prepared for an exhibition of civil-purpose unmanned transport vehicles, visited by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday. Putin will also hold a meeting on relevant issues in the Aminyevskoye electric engine house in Moscow, where the exhibition is being held.

"The Zorky-2M is equipped with a receiver to obtain signals from sea vessels and transmit them to ground stations for monitoring and ensuring navigation safety, including on the Northern Sea Route," the materials said.

The Soyuz-2.1b launch vehicle carrying Earth remote sensing spacecraft for the Zorky-2M group satellites took off from the Vostochny Cosmodrome on December 28, 2025.

The spacecraft was intended for creating and updating topographic and thematic maps, town planning and management, and environmental monitoring.