TEHRAN – Iran has successfully launched the domestically-developed Chamran-1 research satellite into orbit, achieving another milestone in the country’s growing space program.

The launch took place in the early hours of Saturday, with the satellite reaching an altitude of 550 kilometers (341 miles) above Earth. It was delivered into orbit by the Qaem-100 space launch vehicle (SLV), a three-stage, solid-fuel rocket developed by the Aerospace Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC).

Just hours after launch, Chamran-1 transmitted its first signals, marking the success of the mission. The satellite, which weighs around 60 kilograms, was designed and manufactured by Iranian engineers at Iran Electronics Industries (SAIran), a defense ministry subsidiary, in collaboration with the Aerospace Research Institute and several private firms.

Chamran-1's primary mission is to test hardware and software systems for orbital maneuvering technology. Additionally, it will assess the performance of cold gas propulsion subsystems and evaluate navigation and attitude control systems in space.

This successful launch comes despite ongoing sanctions imposed on Iran by Western nations. Over recent years, Iran has made significant strides in its civilian space program, now ranking among the top 10 countries globally capable of developing and launching satellites.

Earlier this year, Iran also successfully launched the Mahda research satellite using the domestically produced Simorgh (Phoenix) SLV. The Mahda satellite, weighing 32 kilograms, was designed to test satellite subsystems and evaluate the performance of new space technologies.

The IRGC’s Aerospace Force also achieved success with the Soraya satellite launch, sending it into orbit 750 kilometers above Earth in just 11 minutes, using the same Qaem-100 rocket technology. 

Iran’s continued advancements in space exploration underline its growing capabilities in satellite technology, defying international pressures and sanctions aimed at hindering its progress.