WANA (Apr 14) – Iran is advancing steadily toward its long-term goal of placing satellites in geostationary orbit (36,000 km above Earth), according to Dr. Hassan Salarieh, head of the Iranian Space Agency (ISA).

 

Building on recent successes in low Earth orbit (LEO) launches and the deployment of transfer modules, Iran is now ramping up efforts to develop heavy-lift launch vehicles and advanced orbital transfer systems.

 

Iran’s space program has made significant strides in satellite development and launch capabilities in recent years. Since the 2009 launch of “Omid,” the nation’s first satellite, over 25 domestically built satellites have been launched into orbit.

 

While some satellites have completed their missions and re-entered the atmosphere, several—such as Mahda, Chamran, Pars-1, Hodhod, and Kosar—remain operational. Mahda, for instance, has been functioning actively for over a year.

 

Dr. Salarieh emphasized that many of these satellites were experimental, designed to build foundational capabilities in satellite subsystems and launch technology. However, a transition is now underway toward industrial-scale production, which is expected to enhance the lifespan and technical performance of Iran’s space assets.

 

Expanding Satellite Launch Plans

The ISA has outlined an ambitious slate of satellite launches for 2025 (1404 in the Iranian calendar), including:

  • Nahid-2: A telecom satellite designed to test KU-band communications systems.
  • Zafar and Paya: Originally scheduled for 2024, both satellites are now set for launch this year following delays.
  • Pars-1 (second prototype) and potentially Pars-2: These will be launched if timelines permit.
  • Kosar (second prototype): Scheduled for 2025.
  • Private sector satellites: Several are nearing completion and will also be launched during 2025.

 

In parallel, testing of next-generation orbital transfer modules and upgraded launchers is underway. The Saman-1 transfer block, launched in 2024, marked Iran’s first step toward high-altitude missions. An improved version is expected to be tested in 2025.

 

Toward a Geostationary Future

Iran’s 10-year space roadmap prioritizes reaching geostationary orbit, a critical step for deploying telecommunications satellites. The pathway includes:

  • Stabilizing LEO launch systems (largely achieved).
  • Advancing high-altitude launches, using upgraded Simorgh launchers, and developing the “Sarir” class heavy launch vehicle.
  • Deploying heavier payloads: By 2026–27, Iran aims to launch several hundred-kilogram satellites into geostationary orbit.

 

The Nahid-3 satellite is under development as part of this trajectory, targeting a 2026 launch. It represents a key step in testing communications technologies for higher orbits.

 

The Shahid Soleimani Satellite Constellation

A hallmark of Iran’s push toward industrialization in space is the Shahid Soleimani low-bandwidth satellite constellation. The project envisions launching around 20 satellites in a phased timeline, starting with experimental models in late 2025 and followed by the main batch in 2026.

 

Elements of these satellites—like those tested on the Fakhr-1 satellite in 2024—have been developed by the private sector and are undergoing final subsystem testing.

 

“This constellation is a turning point,” said Dr. Salarieh. “It exemplifies our shift toward scalable, serial production of satellites and a more structured, industrial approach to space development.”

 

A National Commitment to Space

Despite global challenges and technological barriers, Iran is pressing forward with a robust, multi-pronged space strategy. With its eye on high-altitude communications capabilities, industrial-scale satellite production, and heavier launch systems, the nation seeks to join the ranks of countries with independent access to geostationary orbit—a milestone with profound implications for national security, communications, and scientific advancement.