Iran Plans Multiple Satellite Launches by March 2025
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Iran intends to launch five to seven domestically-developed satellites by the end of its current calendar year, March 20, 2025, according to the head of the Iranian Space Agency (ISA).
Hassan Salariyeh announced on Monday that several satellite launches are planned this year, similar to the previous year.
These launches will be conducted by the Aerospace Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), the Ministry of Defense, the Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO), and foreign space companies.
Salariyeh mentioned that two launches this year will involve foreign space launch vehicles (SLVs), with homegrown satellites Tolo-3 (Sunrise-3) and Zafar-2 (Victory-2) set to enter orbit.
The ISA also plans sub-orbital launches in cooperation with the IRGC Aerospace Force, Salariyeh added.
Additionally, the domestically-developed Kowsar satellite, designed by the private sector, will be launched by the end of the year.
On September 14, Iran successfully placed the Chamran-1 research satellite into orbit, another achievement in its space program.
The satellite reached an altitude of 550 kilometers using a homegrown Qaem-100 space launch vehicle, with its first signals received hours later.
Chamran-1 was developed by Iran Electronics Industries (SAIran) in collaboration with the Aerospace Research Institute (ARI) and private firms, weighing around 60 kilograms.
Its primary mission is to test hardware and software for orbital maneuver technology validation.
Despite facing Western sanctions, Iran has made significant progress in its civilian space program and is among the top 10 countries globally capable of developing and launching satellites.
Earlier this year, Iran launched the Mahda research satellite, weighing 32 kilograms, using the Simorgh satellite launch vehicle.
Mahda’s mission is to test satellite-related subsystems and evaluate new designs and indigenous technologies.
The IRGC Aerospace Force also successfully launched the Soraya satellite into orbit, 750 kilometers above Earth, within 11 minutes, using the Qaem-100 space launch vehicle.