TEHRAN - Iran's Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Issa Zarepour, has revealed progress in the country's satellite program. 

He stated that several satellites are ready for launch, with a focus on imaging capabilities.

"We are actively developing multiple satellites to enhance our national space imaging capacity," Zarepour said on Wednesday. He emphasized the ongoing construction of the second Pars I satellite, expressing hope for its completion soon.

The minister highlighted the benefits of having more satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). "While LEO satellites offer frequent coverage throughout the day, their high speeds limit continuous observation," he explained, adding that "Increasing the number of satellites will provide more consistent access to data and information."

Zarepour emphasized the significance of satellite system development, a complex capability possessed by only a handful of nations worldwide. He expressed pride in Iranian scientists achieving this expertise.

Concluding his remarks, the minister voiced optimism that Iran will take significant steps in the development of telecommunication and imaging satellites this year.

Back in late September 2023, Iran launched an imaging satellite into orbit, one that would improve Iran’s intelligence capabilities. 

The announcement by the aerospace division of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) included details about new Iranian technological advances in the aerospace industry. 

The new satellite, Nour-3 (literally meaning light in Persian) was put into an orbit 450km (280 miles) from the surface of the Earth. It was launched by a missile named Qased, which has been used before to carry the two earlier versions of the same satellite into space. The Qased carrier was also developed by the IRGC. 

Minister of Communications and Information Technology Issa Zarepour said via X, “With the efforts of IRGC Aerospace Force specialists, a few moments ago, the Nour-3 imaging satellite was successfully placed into a 450 km orbit of the earth with the Iranian Qased satellite carrier.”

“I congratulate all Iranian people, those active in the country’s space industry, and the IRGC’s space experts for this success. God willing, this year will be a fruitful year for the country’s space industry,” he added.

“We are involved in the development and launch of satellites. Under our plan, we will have 2 to 3 satellite launches this year, something we hope to be successful,” Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani said.

Iran is among the world’s top 10 countries capable of developing and launching satellites.

The IRGC Aerospace Force sent Nour-2 into orbit using the Qased satellite carrier in March of last year, two years after it launched Nour-1.