WANA (Sep 14) – The “Qaem-100” satellite launch vehicle represents one of the most advanced projects developed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Iran’s space program. Officially unveiled in October 2021, this three-stage solid-fuel launch vehicle is designed to place satellites weighing up to 80 kilograms into a 500-kilometer orbit around Earth.

 

The Qaem-100’s solid-fuel engines—the “Rafe” and “Salman”—are central to its functionality. The “Rafe” engine, which features a composite body and provides a thrust of 68 tons, is employed during the first stage.

 

The “Salman” engine, made from carbon fibre and with a 60-second burn duration, supports the second stage. This combination allows the Qaem-100 to achieve a speed of 7,478 kilometres per second, effectively placing satellites into orbit.

 

 

The Qaem-100’s operational mechanism involves a two-phase separation process. The first stage separates 89 seconds after launch at 100 kilometres, while the second stage separates 600 seconds after launch at 740 kilometres.

 

Following these separations, the remains of the first and second stages fall back into the atmosphere. After completing these stages, the Qaem-100 places the satellite into a 750-kilometer orbit with the desired velocity of 735 seconds post-launch.

 

This advanced technology has significantly contributed to Iran’s space capabilities and paves the way for further developments in the field. One of the key achievements of the Qaem-100 was the successful launch of the “Sorraya” satellite in December 2023, marking the first time an Iranian satellite was placed into a 750-kilometer orbit.

Charman 1 Satellite Successfully Launched by Qaem 100 Rocket

WANA (Sep 14) – On the morning of September 14th, the Qaem 100 rocket successfully launched Iran’s Chamran 1 research satellite into a 550-kilometer orbit.   The Chamran 1 satellite, developed by the Space Group of Iran Electronics Industries (SaeIran) in collaboration with the Aerospace Research Institute and private knowledge-based companies, weighs approximately 60 kilograms.   […]

Read More...

This success has enabled advancements in launching heavier payloads and accessing higher orbits, such as the geostationary orbit. Another notable success was the deployment of the “Chamran-1” research satellite by the Qaem-100 today.

 

Ali Jafarabadi, the commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force, announced that the next step involves utilizing the “Qaem-105” satellite launch vehicle, which features more powerful engines and a new design. Testing and research launches for this vehicle are scheduled for the coming year.

 

Additionally, he stated that within two to three years, the “Qaem-120” launch vehicle would be prepared to reach a 36,000-kilometer orbit.

 

Significant progress has been made in Iran’s space sector under the 13th government, with 12 satellite launches occurring since the beginning of this administration.

 

This number equals the total launches of the past 12 years. It includes satellites such as Qoqnoos, Noor 2, Nahid 1, and Khayyam, suborbital launches of Qaem-100 and other notable missions like Noor 3 and the biological capsule Salman.

 

This trend is expected to continue, with further growth anticipated in the upcoming administration, contributing to the ongoing development of Iran’s space industry.