Iran to Launch Two Satellites in Spring 2025
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Director of the Iranian Space Research Center Hassan Salariyeh announced that the launch of two satellites, "Tolu 3" and "Zafar 2," which had been delayed due to some setbacks, will take place in late Spring 2025.
Salariyeh stated that the launches of the two satellites had been postponed for several months due to delays with the foreign launch vehicle.
Salariyeh shared the updates during an interview with Tasnim News Agency, discussing Iran's space industry, including the current status of satellites in orbit, ongoing satellite projects, and Iran's space ambitions.
Regarding the "PARS 3" and "Nahid 2" satellites, Salariyeh confirmed that "PARS 3" is under construction with an imaging accuracy of about two meters, and it is currently in the design phase at the Iranian Space Research Institute.
He mentioned that the "PARS 2" satellite, which is expected to be unveiled in February during the Fajr celebrations (marking the anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution), will have an imaging accuracy of less than four meters. This satellite is a remote sensing project developed under the guidance of Iran's Space Organization and the Iranian Aerospace Industries Group.
When asked about the launch vehicle for "PARS 2," Salariyeh noted that a decision has not yet been made.
He emphasized that since "PARS 2" is a remote sensing satellite, it must be placed into a sun-synchronous orbit for imaging operations. The launch is likely to occur in 2025 or slightly later, depending on the readiness of the launch vehicle.
Regarding the "Tolu 3" and "Zafar 2" satellites, Salariyeh indicated that these were initially scheduled for launch in early winter 2024.
However, due to the need for a sun-synchronous orbit and delays with the external launch vehicle, the launches have been postponed.
He confirmed that the launches will now take place in the first half of 2025, with the most likely launch window in late Spring 2025.
Iran has made significant progress in its space program over the last two years, with the country expanding its capabilities in space technology and satellite deployment.
In January 2024, Iran launched the Soraya satellite into a 750 km orbit, setting a new national record for the highest altitude reached by an Iranian satellite.
Later, in September 2024, the Chamran-1 research satellite was successfully launched into a 550 km orbit using the Qaem-100 carrier developed by the country. Additionally, Iran launched the Fakhr-1 satellite in August 2024, focusing on testing advanced communication systems.
