WANA (Nov 04) – The research satellite Chamran-1 achieved its first successful orbital rendezvous 40 days after entering a 550 km orbit. With its advanced capabilities, Chamran-1 can also perform higher-precision orbital rendezvous operations for similar space objectives.

 

The satellite was launched on Saturday, September 14, by a Qaem 100 rocket, successfully placing it in a 550 km orbit. Within hours, Chamran-1 transmitted its first signals back to Earth.

 

Weighing approximately 60 kg, Chamran-1 was designed to test hardware and software systems for orbital maneuvering technology. The solid-fuel Qaem 100 launch vehicle, designed by the IRGC Aerospace Force specialists, successfully completed its second orbital operation by placing Chamran-1 in orbit.

 

Chamran-1’s Journey and Maneuver Success

After reaching orbit and stabilizing, Chamran-1 had an altitude difference of about 3 km and a phase difference of one degree (120 km) relative to its launch vehicle. In subsequent stages, the satellite performed maneuvers to adjust its inclination, phase, and altitude, resulting in a significant change relative to the launch vehicle, achieving a phase difference of 180 degrees and an altitude difference of approximately 12 km.

Key Features of the Qaem-100 Satellite Launch Vehicle

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 […]

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Planning the Orbital Rendezvous Mission

For the rendezvous mission, complex maneuvers were planned, combining inclination, phase, and altitude changes simultaneously. Chamran-1 successfully performed these maneuvers, achieving altitude alignment and a less than one-degree phase angle with the Qaem 100 launch vehicle.

 

Finally, on Friday, November 1, Chamran-1 completed a successful rendezvous with its target, achieving a phase difference accuracy of less than 0.05 degrees (about 4.5 km distance).

 

Safety protocols were strictly observed throughout the maneuver planning to prevent any potential collision. With Chamran-1’s successful orbital rendezvous, initial evaluations confirm the possibility of connecting space systems in orbit. After the rendezvous mission, Chamran-1 will continue as a testing platform for research and development, enabling further rendezvous operations with higher accuracy for similar space missions.