📝 Mission Description

Russia's Angara A5 Rocket Propels Military Payloads into Orbit

On June 19, 2025, Russia's space program marked another milestone with the successful launch of the Angara A5 rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. Carrying the mission designated as Angara A5/Briz-M | Kosmos 2589 & 2590, the vehicle deployed two unidentified payloads for the Russian military. Following orbital insertion, Kosmos 2590 separated from Kosmos 2589, suggesting a dual-satellite configuration that could enhance operational flexibility. This event underscores Russia's ongoing efforts to bolster its space-based military capabilities amid evolving geopolitical tensions.

The mission's objectives remain classified, typical of Kosmos-series launches, which often involve reconnaissance, communications, or early-warning systems. Analysts speculate that Kosmos 2589 and 2590 are likely optical or radar imaging satellites, designed for high-resolution Earth observation. Such payloads could provide real-time intelligence gathering, supporting military operations by monitoring troop movements, infrastructure, or maritime activities. The separation mechanism, facilitated by the Briz-M upper stage, allows for independent orbits, potentially enabling one satellite to focus on geostationary positioning for persistent surveillance while the other operates in a lower orbit for detailed scans. This capability aligns with modern warfare's emphasis on space-domain awareness, where satellites serve as force multipliers in contested environments.

At the heart of the mission is the Angara A5 rocket, a heavy-lift vehicle developed by Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center. Standing approximately 55 meters tall with a diameter of 2.9 meters at its core, the Angara A5 features a modular design that allows for scalability across variants like the lighter A1 and A3. It is powered by RD-191 engines in its first stage, burning kerosene and liquid oxygen for a thrust of about 192 tons per engine. The rocket's clustered boosters—up to four universal rocket modules—enable it to lift up to 24.5 tons to low Earth orbit (LEO) or 7.5 tons to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO). Paired with the Briz-M upper stage, which uses hypergolic propellants for precise orbital maneuvers, the system offers enhanced reliability and restart capabilities, crucial for deploying multiple payloads.

The Angara family's performance history reflects both ambition and challenges. Conceived in the 1990s to replace the aging Proton-M, which relied on toxic hypergolic fuels and foreign components,

ℹ️ Official Details

Unidentified payload for the Russian military. Kosmos 2590 was separated from Kosmos 2589 after launch.

🎯 Post-Launch Analysis

The Angara A5/Briz-M mission on June 19, 2025, successfully launched Kosmos 2589 and 2590 into orbit, marking a significant achievement for the Russian military's space program. The rocket's technical performance was flawless, with precise orbital insertion and seamless separation of Kosmos 2590 from 2589, facilitated by the Briz-M upper stage. Payload deployment occurred as planned, confirming the system's reliability for dual-satellite missions. Key engineering outcomes include validation of the Angara A5's capability to handle complex military payloads, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of Russia's modern launch infrastructure. This success highlights improved precision in multi-payload separation and orbital maneuvers. For future missions, this performance strengthens confidence in the Angara family for diverse applications, potentially expanding its use in both military and civilian sectors while underscoring Russia's commitment to advancing indigenous space technologies.