TEHRAN – Iran's Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Seyed Sattar Hashemi, has reappointed Hassan Salarieh as the head of the Iranian Space Agency. 

In a formal decree, Hashemi stated, "Considering your qualifications, commitment, experience, and expertise, you are appointed as head of the Iranian Space Agency." He further emphasized, "It is anticipated that, with reliance on Almighty God, adherence to ethical standards and divine principles, and following laws and regulations, you will pursue the objectives outlined in the vision document, the overarching policies of the system, and the seventh development plan law."

Hashemi continued, "While upholding the ethical charter of the Fourteenth Government's officials, you are expected to engage constructively with authorities and other institutions to implement government policies and safeguard the achievements of the Islamic Revolution, all aimed at advancing the nation's space industry by leveraging the expertise of specialists, elites, and experts, as well as the full range of existing resources, including the dedicated and esteemed private knowledge-based sector."

Salarieh, who holds a PhD in mechanical engineering and serves as a professor of Technology at Sharif University, has also served as the director of the Space Research Center. 

Iran's space program, initiated in the late 1990s, aims to develop homegrown satellite technology. The country has successfully launched multiple satellites, including Sina-1, Rasad-1, and Zafar, which serve various functions including Earth observation, communication, and technological research. 

Iran’s space advancements are particularly important as they have been achieved despite decades of debilitating sanctions by the West. Salarieh believes Iran should continue to develop its space program until it becomes one of the pillars of the industry in the region and the world.