Iran Advances Space Program with New Satellites, Launchers, and Infrastructure
Iran's space program is progressing rapidly in three main areas: infrastructure development, satellite creation, and satellite data services, according to Hassan Salarieh, head of the Iranian Space Agency. In the coming months, Iran plans to inaugurate new facilities including laboratories, satellite control centers, and a launch site in Chabahar in the country's southeast. Salarieh highlighted the establishment of a nationwide network of satellite control centers aimed at reducing communication delays, improving in-orbit testing, and extending satellite operational lifespans.
Key projects include the Nahid 2 and Nahid 3 satellites, the Shahid Soleimani satellite constellation, the Pars 2 and Pars 3 observation satellites, and the development of Iran's first domestically produced radar satellite. Salarieh emphasized that combining satellite imagery with artificial intelligence will enhance the economic value of space data and support civilian sectors such as agriculture, water management, environmental monitoring, soil surveillance, and emergency response.
Iranian experts are also developing communication satellites expected to play a significant role in the country's communication infrastructure, either directly or as support. International cooperation remains a priority, with ongoing collaboration with China and Iran's participation in the Chang'e lunar exploration project. Salarieh noted the importance of both exporting space products and services and learning from leading spacefaring nations.
Regarding satellite launchers, the Simorgh and Qaem 100 launchers have reached an "acceptable" maturity level with several successful launches. Iran is developing more advanced launcher generations, with tests scheduled to begin soon, including an improved Simorgh version designed to increase payload capacity to low Earth orbit and higher orbits. Testing of the upgraded Simorgh began about two years ago and will continue this year.
