Russia Launches First Subscription Service for Earth Observation Data
The new service will significantly simplify access to fresh satellite imagery for businesses. Such data is widely used in natural resource exploration, agriculture, construction and many other sectors.
It recently became known that the SPUTNIX Group, which operates the largest satellite constellation among private companies in Russia, has launched a commercial subscription service for Earth observation data. The company is the first non-state enterprise in the country to introduce such a model. Clients are offered flexible access to high-resolution satellite imagery collected by the company’s own Zorkiy-2M orbital constellation.
The new subscription model is designed to remove one of the key barriers in the sector – the difficulty of quickly ordering satellite imagery. Subscribers can now access both the most recent images and an archive of previously captured data. Full access remains available throughout the entire subscription period.
Expansion of the Satellite Constellation
According to SPUTNIX’s press service, the Zorkiy-2M orbital constellation was expanded in 2025 with three additional spacecraft that are currently completing flight testing. The satellites are equipped with next-generation cameras capable of achieving a resolution of 2.5 meters. The imaging systems operate across four spectral bands. In 2024 the company successfully completed certification of Earth observation data from Zorkiy-2M satellites, confirming the high quality and reliability of the imagery for professional applications.
“The launch of the subscription mechanism is an important step toward democratizing access to space data. We aim to make ordering satellite imagery as simple and intuitive as using familiar digital services,” said Nikolay Pozhidayev, CEO of SPUTNIX Group.
Solutions for a Wide Range of Tasks
SPUTNIX Group is one of Russia’s leading private space companies and operates the country’s largest non-government satellite constellation. The company is part of AFK Sistema. Its activities cover the full cycle of small satellite development, production of satellite equipment and the delivery of geoinformation services based on Earth observation data.
The company operates several constellations of small satellites designed for different missions. In particular, a group of 52 satellites built on the SXC3 platform supports the first private Russian space-based Automatic Identification System (AIS). The satellite AIS network enables continuous monitoring of maritime traffic beyond the coverage area of coastal AIS stations.
A New Market Is Emerging
The launch of a commercial subscription model for Earth observation data represents an important step for the development of Russia’s broader digital economy. In effect, it is creating an entirely new category of services. In this regard, Russia is keeping pace with other leading countries that are actively promoting the commercialization of space.
Such services are also in demand beyond Russia and have significant export potential. Many developing countries lack the capabilities required to independently obtain Earth observation data. As a result, services offered by Russian providers could attract strong interest from international markets, especially given the consistently high quality of Russian satellite imagery.
Simplifying access to Earth observation data is expected to open new opportunities for many Russian companies. Businesses will be able to conduct more detailed planning and improve forecasting of potential outcomes from strategic decisions. Satellite image archives can also be used to train new artificial intelligence models.
Most importantly, space-based data is evolving from a highly specialized resource once used primarily for scientific research into a genuinely mass-market product. A new industry is taking shape, and Russia has become one of the first countries to begin building service ecosystems around these capabilities.
