Iran Achieves Milestone in Space Exploration with Heavy Payload Launch
Iran has marked a significant advancement in its space program by successfully launching its heaviest payload to date, weighing 300 kilograms. This launch, reported by state media, included a communications satellite named Fakhr-1 and a space tug called Saman-1, utilizing the domestically developed Simorgh satellite carrier. This event represents a pivotal moment in Iran's efforts to enhance its capabilities in space technology.
Details of the Launch and Payloads
The payloads were launched from the Imam Khomeini launch base located in Semnan province. The Simorgh rocket, which is a liquid-fueled satellite launch vehicle, has been a crucial component of Iran's space endeavors since its unveiling in 2010. The recent mission placed the payloads into an elliptical low Earth orbit, reaching a maximum altitude of 410 kilometers and a minimum of 300 kilometers. The Saman-1 space tug is designed to transport satellites from lower to higher orbits, specifically moving a 100-kilogram satellite from a 400-kilometer orbit to an elliptical orbit with an apogee of 700 kilometers.
Iran's Expanding Space Program
Iran's space program has seen a series of developments, with the Simorgh rocket completing seven official launches as of December 2024. This positions it among the top 40 active satellite launchers globally. Additionally, Iran's Qaem-100 carrier rocket has also made headlines, successfully placing the Thuraya satellite into orbit at a record altitude of 750 kilometers. The Qaem-100, noted for being the first Iranian solid-fuel missile with three stages, represents a significant technological leap, enhancing the speed and efficiency of missile production. This ongoing progress highlights Iran's commitment to advancing its space capabilities and achieving greater autonomy in satellite deployment.
