TEHRAN –Head of the Iranian Space Agency (ISA), Hossein Salarieh, has announced that 14 domestically manufactured satellites are ready to be launched in the near future, and 30 others are being built for different purposes.

The private sector is constructing 20 out of these 30 satellites, IRNA quoted Salarieh as saying.

The official also noted that 12 satellites have been successfully put into orbit since the administration of the late President Ebrahim Raisi took office in 2021.

The pace of designing and manufacturing homegrown satellites has accelerated as the ISA has set up joint projects with the private sector, Press TV quoted Salarieh as saying.

The country is among the world’s top 10 nations capable of developing and launching satellites.

Earlier this year, Iran successfully sent the homegrown Mahda research satellite, along with two research cargoes, to space onboard the domestically developed Simorgh (Phoenix) satellite launch vehicle (SLV).

Mahda weighs 32 kilograms and its primary task is to test the satellite-related subsystems, verify the function of Simorgh SLV in dispensing space cargoes, and evaluate the performance of new designs and the reliability of indigenous technologies in space.

Earlier, the Aerospace Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) successfully put the Soraya satellite into an orbit 750 kilometers above Earth in 11 minutes.

The research satellite, manufactured by the ISA, was launched with a Qaem-100 space launch vehicle (SLV). Qaem-100 is a three-stage SLV with solid fuel developed by the IRGC Aerospace Force.

In July, Salarieh announced that “Kowsar” and “Hodhod” are among satellites scheduled to be launched and put into orbit this year.

According to the official, Kowsar is an observation satellite with an imaging resolution of 3.5 meters per pixel, which can be used for agricultural purposes, surveying, and demarcation. The satellite has an orbital lifespan of two years.

The Hodhod satellite is planned to be used in the area of the Internet of Things, agriculture, transportation, and crisis management scenarios.

The official noted that the satellite launches will be carried out in line with the coordination and planning efforts that have been undertaken.

Salarieh emphasized that the space industry serves as a crucial client for the innovations and products developed by other industries. Additionally, he pointed out that commercializing space-related technologies and applying them to other sectors, such as the automotive industry, could significantly address various national concerns and needs.

Salarieh noted that the space industry has experienced a significant positive leap in recent years, thanks to the government's support for developing indigenous space technology. This support has facilitated the sector's transition from a research-oriented focus to an industrial one.

He detailed that during this transformative period, many previously unfinished projects were completed. 

“With a series of successful research and operational launches, Iran has now established the capability to launch and place satellites into orbits up to 750 kilometers in altitude. This achievement is expected to further accelerate the growth and development of the country’s space industry in the years to come,” he added.

Salarieh stressed the importance of continuing to focus on the space industry, noting that its growth could be a driving force for development and for attracting and retaining skilled specialists across various fields and industries.

MT/MG