WANA (Dec 06) – The Saman-1 Orbital Transfer Block is a new achievement by Iranian space engineers, which, through its launch, placed two additional research payloads weighing approximately 300 kg, setting a new record for the weight of payloads that can be launched into the GEO orbit.

 

The heights of the sky are no longer just for space powers, and today, Iran, with steady steps, is walking on a path that only a few countries in the world have the capability to follow.

 

The Saman-1 Orbital Transfer Block is a new achievement from Iranian engineers, and today Iran is on a path that only a few countries in the world have the ability to travel.

 

On Friday, December 7th, the Simorgh launch vehicle successfully placed the Saman-1 Orbital Transfer Block into orbit. The orbital transfer block system is an intermediary system designed to place satellites into higher orbits, with the goal of reducing costs and avoiding the construction of massive launch vehicles that consume a great deal of fuel. Now, Iran has acquired this space technology by launching the Saman Orbital Transfer Block.

 

The orbital injection method based on this technology works as follows: the carrier places the orbital transfer block and its attached satellite in an initial orbit called the “parking orbit,” and the orbital transfer block then transfers the satellite from the initial orbit to the final orbit. This system also has orbital correction capabilities and can enhance injection accuracy and reliability.

 

Thus, the orbital transfer block is one of the essential tools for carrying out space missions in the satellite field, particularly for placing communication satellites into orbit and conducting space exploration missions, such as lunar and Mars rover missions. In this regard, researchers at the Iranian Space Research Center have been focused on designing and constructing the Saman Orbital Transfer Block.

 

The Saman-1 Orbital Transfer Block is designed as a satellite transfer system, particularly for transferring small and medium-sized satellites to various orbits. This system, utilizing advanced motors and optimized fuels, is capable of performing various operations, including orbit adjustments, carrying out different space missions, and extending the operational life of satellites.

 

According to Hassan Salariyeh, Head of the Iranian Space Agency and Director of the Iranian Space Research Center, the development program for the orbital transfer block at the Space Research Center was defined as part of the development of communication satellite technology to achieve geostationary orbit (GEO) communications satellites. The goal of this project is to increase the satellite’s orbital altitude from the stationary orbit to the operational orbit, thus accelerating and facilitating the process of achieving the Earth-synchronous orbital point.

 

A Block with Unique Capabilities

The Saman Orbital Transfer Block begins its operation in a circular orbit with a 55-degree inclination and delivers the satellite to an elliptical orbit with altitudes ranging from 400 to 7000 kilometers, with a 58-degree inclination.

 

The ground segment of the Saman Orbital Transfer Block project includes telecom command and telemetry stations in the UHF and HF bands. Given the high Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of this technology in the country, it is expected that this part will perform its duties effectively. The four ground stations for this mission are located in Tabriz, Mashhad, Mahshahr, and Qeshm, and their construction and equipment processes are nearing completion.

 

The Saman-1 uses the Arash-24 solid fuel motor as its primary propulsion system. The Arash-24 is capable of producing 1.3 tons of thrust in 40 seconds of burning time. Its mass without fuel is 55 kg, and with fuel, it is 240 kg. For its first mission, Saman-1 is tasked with raising a 100 kg satellite from a circular parking orbit at an altitude of 400 km to an elliptical orbit with a perigee of 400 km and an apogee of 700 km.

In general, the technical specifications of this space tool are as follows:

 

Payload weight: 90 to 100 kg

Orbital block altitude: 400 km (circular)

Parking orbit inclination: 55 degrees

Orbital apogee: 7000 km

Orbital perigee: 400 km

 

In today’s morning launch, the Saman-1 Orbital Transfer Block, along with two additional payloads—a CubeSat and a research payload—was launched by the Simorgh rocket from Imam Khomeini (RA) Launch Base.

 

The launch was successful, and the orbital transfer block was injected into an elliptical orbit with an apogee of 410 km and a perigee of 300 km. The successful multiple injection of the Saman-1 Orbital Transfer Block along with the two additional research payloads, totaling about 300 kg, set a new record for the weight of launchable payloads from Iran.

 

The Saman-1 Orbital Transfer Block represents a practical step forward in transferring satellites to higher orbits.

 

Achievements and Successes

Saman-1, designed and built by Iranian specialists, is recognized as one of the outstanding achievements in space technology. After several months of planning and complex testing, this orbital transfer block was successfully placed into Earth’s orbit and secured its position as one of the key tools in Iran’s space projects.

 

This project is particularly significant in the development of satellite communications, Earth observation, and research that requires satellite data. Specifically, the Saman-1 Orbital Transfer Block can be used in various space missions, including launching communication, telecommunication, and remote sensing satellites into higher orbits.

 

Future Outlook and Economic Impacts

This significant achievement not only contributes to Iran’s scientific and technological progress but also has the potential to create economic infrastructure in the space sector and foster innovative businesses. The space industry is one of the economic sectors that can have both direct and indirect impacts on various areas of the country’s economy, including job creation, the development of new technologies, and enhancing research capabilities.

 

Additionally, this orbital transfer block will play a vital role in Iran’s long-term plans to develop space and utilize space capabilities to improve the country’s quality of life and economy.

 

By achieving such projects, Iran will be able to play a more significant role in the global space arena in the near future and achieve even greater accomplishments in this field.