WANA (Oct 10) – Iran has achieved full independence in the field of satellite design, manufacturing, and launch, according to the head of the Iranian Space Research Institute.

 

Dr. Vahid Yazdanian, president of the Iranian Space Research Institute, said in a speech on Thursday that the Islamic Republic can now carry out every stage of space technology development using domestic expertise, without reliance on any foreign country. “Today, space is one of the key indicators of national power and scientific progress,” Yazdanian stated.

 

“The extent to which a nation can design, build, and launch satellites—and apply this technology to improve people’s daily lives—defines its true level of development.”

 

He emphasized that despite years of international sanctions on Iran’s aerospace and satellite programs, the country’s scientists and engineers have achieved full self-sufficiency. “Even under severe restrictions, our specialists have made us independent of others. We now possess the indigenous capability to design, manufacture, and launch satellites. At no stage do we need permission or assistance from abroad,” Yazdanian said.

WANA - Chabahar Space Base

WANA – Chabahar Space Base

Successful Launch of Nahid-2

Referring to the recent Nahid-2 telecommunications satellite, Yazdanian noted that it was successfully placed into orbit despite external political pressure.

 

“Just one month after a 12-day conflict that brought various forms of pressure on the country, we managed to successfully launch the Nahid-2 satellite, which is now fully operational in orbit,” he said.

 

Space Technology and Everyday Life

Yazdanian highlighted the practical importance of space technology beyond national prestige.

 

“Space technology directly affects people’s lives. Communication satellites ensure equal access to connectivity in remote regions and maintain links during natural disasters like earthquakes and floods. Earth observation satellites assist in key policy decisions—such as determining agricultural land use—and navigation satellites are vital for achieving autonomy in positioning and routing,” he explained.

Upcoming Satellite Missions

According to Yazdanian, Iran has designed and launched numerous satellites over the past two decades, including the PARS series (Earth observation) and the Nahid series (communication).

 

The Nahid-2 satellite was launched two months ago, and two more—Nahid-3 and PARS-2—are scheduled for launch by the end of autumn, using domestically developed launch vehicles.

 

He added that Iran’s armed forces have also made major advances in satellite launch systems, eliminating the need for any foreign assistance in putting satellites into orbit.

 

“We have reached a stage where we must focus on using space achievements to meet the country’s real needs,” Yazdanian said, noting that private companies in Iran have also begun designing and launching satellites.

 

“The next generation of Iranian scientists will continue this path with determination.”