Russia plans to make the elliptical Arktika-M hydrometeorological system part of the COSPAS-SARSAT international space search-and-rescue system. Participants in the annual 35th meeting of the COSPAS-SARSAT Joint Committee (OK-35) discussed the system’s operation and its future plans.

Russian experts attending the meeting noted that, in 2022-2025, Russia will be conducting tests for assessing the Arktika-M satellite’s specifications and performance. This will help make Arktika-M remote sensing satellites part of the COSPAS-SARSAT system. The tests will be similar to the Elektro-L and Luch-5A satellite system tests. After the tests and the launch of the second Arktika-M satellite, the specifications and performance will be updated, and essential amendments to both systems’ standards drafted.

“Incoming Arktika-M data will make it possible to quickly locate aircraft during in-flight emergencies,” the Roscosmos press service said.

The search-and-rescue system now uses four low Earth orbit satellites, ten geostationary and 42 medium Earth orbit satellites.

Canada, France, the Soviet Union and the United States drafted the COSPAS-SARSAT international program in the interests of the entire world. This association currently includes over 45 states and organizations.