From Russia to Chabahar: Iran’s Strategy for Satellite Launches

WANA (Aug 25) – Responding to a question on how Iran can conduct regional launches through the new Chabahar Spaceport while it has recently relied on foreign launch vehicles, the head of the Iranian Space Agency stressed that using foreign launchers is a standard practice in the global space industry.

Hassan Salarieh, President of the Iranian Space Agency, explained that satellite developers worldwide rely on both domestic and international launch capacities. “For instance, Russia has carried out numerous launches for other countries, successfully placing many satellites into orbit,” he said.

Salarieh noted that in some cases, technical considerations make foreign launchers more practical. “Certain orbits are more easily and quickly accessible through foreign launch vehicles.

For example, satellites such as Pars-1, Kowsar, and Hodhod required placement into sun-synchronous orbit, which was not achievable domestically before the Chabahar base became operational. This practice is common worldwide,” he explained.

Kowsar and Hodhod satellite preparation, Social media/ WANA News Agency

He emphasized that while Iran’s domestic launch capacity is strong, combining it with foreign launch services will accelerate the deployment of satellites and diversify missions. “This is a technical decision that contributes to faster growth of the space industry,” Salarieh said.

Highlighting the advantages of the Chabahar Spaceport, Salarieh stated that the facility provides access to a broad range of orbital inclinations, from about 40 to 100 degrees. “One of the most important of these is the sun-synchronous orbit, which has major benefits for satellites and will be accessible via Chabahar,” he added.

He further explained that even with Chabahar operational, Iran will continue using foreign launchers to place more satellites in orbit. At the same time, the base could boost international cooperation. “Many satellite manufacturers seek orbital inclinations that are difficult or expensive to access from their own countries. Chabahar will offer that opportunity,” Salarieh noted.

Concluding his remarks, Salarieh underlined the role of in constellation building. “Establishing satellite constellations requires access to multiple orbital paths, and Chabahar makes this possible. Moreover, international partnerships in launches and other space fields will enable Iran to gain valuable experience from countries with more advanced space industries,” he said.

Chabahar Space Base. Social media/ WANA News Agency