November 24, 2025. A new scientific cooperation agreement between the Geophysical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences and TerraTech (part of the Russian Space Systems holding within the State Corporation Roscosmos) aims to develop applied research projects and expand scientific research, with a primary focus on Arctic studies. The agreement was signed by Director of the GC RAS, Corresponding Member of RAS Anatoly Soloviev and TerraTech General Director Pavel Cherenkov.

The GC RAS conducts Arctic zone research through its youth Laboratory of Geoinformatics and the Arctic Big Data, with support from the Russian Science Foundation. The geospatial information and AI-based services provided by TerraTech have the potential to form the foundation for systematic polar research, enabling tasks such as assessing the risks that natural factors pose to the technological and transport infrastructure of the North.

Scientists at the GC RAS also plan to apply the provided remote sensing data and geoanalytics for the operational monitoring of snow, ice cover, and ice conditions. Furthermore, the partners are exploring the joint development of innovative solutions for satellite-based monitoring of Arctic river ice and permafrost conditions.

Maxim Boltachev, First Deputy General Director of TerraTech: "The careful development of the Arctic is a national-scale task that requires the most advanced solutions. Space-based services and AI enable us to identify current and projected natural and anthropogenic risks across the Arctic, facilitating the planning of mitigation measures. This is particularly urgent for the mining sector, whose operations are heavily concentrated in northern Russia. By combining our capabilities with the fundamental research of the Geophysical Center RAS, we can elevate the systematic study of the Arctic to a new level and create innovative solutions for monitoring permafrost, environmental conditions, and infrastructure-related risks."

TerraTech develops solutions for complex challenges in the Arctic and the Far North of Russia. Space-based monitoring is an indispensable tool for the sustainable and safe development of this strategic region. A key area of this work is supporting navigation along the Northern Sea Route, which requires up-to-date data on ice conditions. Remote sensing technologies are utilized to monitor the growth of Arctic infrastructure and to oversee the environmental situation, including pollution at legacy industrial sites. The application of satellite data and the development of services represent a direct contribution of space to the Arctic's future and ensure environmental security while balancing industrial development with the preservation of the region's unique ecosystem.

From right to left: Director of the GC RAS, Corresponding Member of RAS Anatoly Soloviev and TerraTech General Director Pavel Cherenkov.