TEHRAN – The head of Iran’s Space Organization has announced that Iran will launch two new satellites in the coming weeks.

Speaking at the first International Lithium Battery Conference on Tuesday, Hassan Salarieh said that, through the tireless efforts of Iranian youth and scientists, “Kowsar” and “Hodhod” satellites are scheduled to be launched and put into the orbit this year.

According to Salarieh, 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 Deputy Minister of Communications noted that the satellite launches will be carried out in line with the coordination and planning efforts that have been undertaken.

He attributed this advancement to the substantial government support that has propelled the country's space industry forward in recent years, transitioning it from a primarily research-focused sector to an industrial one.

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.

Iran is among the 10 countries with the know-how of space technology and is the 11th country in the world in terms of space science and the leading country in the region.