WANA (Feb 27) – Over the past year, Iran’s space program has experienced one of its most active periods, recording multiple domestic and international launches. The head of the Iranian Space Agency stated that the country successfully carried out a series of indigenous and foreign missions during this period, while continuing to advance its launch and satellite technologies.

 

According to the Iranian Space Agency, Iran conducted two international launches over the past year using the Soyuz launch vehicle. In one mission, the “Nahid-2” satellite was sent into space, while in another mission, three satellites—“Zafar-2,” “Paya,” and “Kosar”—were placed into orbit simultaneously. These launches were carried out as part of international cooperation and from spaceports outside Iran.

 

In addition, Iran conducted several suborbital test launches for research and development purposes. The Qased, Zuljanah, and Simorgh launch vehicles were tested in these missions. The tests focused on upgrading subsystems, improving propulsion systems, and enhancing the reliability of domestically developed launchers.

One of the most significant space events of the past year was the launch of the “Jam-e Jam 1” satellite, internationally registered as “Iran DBS,” described as the country’s first dedicated geostationary satellite. The satellite was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan and is expected to provide the necessary infrastructure for developing interactive public broadcasting services.

 

Iranian space officials have also announced plans for additional launches in the coming months. However, the exact timing of future missions will depend on the completion of compatibility tests between satellites and launch vehicles, as well as the final stages of preparation.

 

Taken together, these launches indicate that over the past year Iran has pursued a dual strategy of expanding international cooperation while strengthening its domestic capabilities, aiming to consolidate and enhance its position in the field of space technology.