Iran Prepares Chabahar Spaceport for First Solid-Fuel Launch
WANA (Oct 04) – The head of the Iranian Space Agency (ISA) has announced that preparations are underway for the first solid-fuel launch from the Chabahar National Spaceport, while also revealing new details about upcoming satellite launches and international collaborations.
Speaking at the inauguration of World Space Week 2025 under the theme “Living in Space” at the Ministry of Communications on Saturday, ISA chief Dr. Hassan Salarieh outlined Iran’s latest achievements and plans in space science and exploration.
Upcoming Satellite Launches
Salarieh confirmed that the Zafar-2 and Paya remote-sensing satellites will be launched in the coming months using a foreign launch vehicle. He also noted that Nahid-2 will be launched aboard Iran’s Simorgh rocket, while additional test launches are planned for satellites in the Shahid Soleimani constellation project.
Kowsar and Hodhod satellite preparation, Social media/ WANA News Agency
Development of Reentry Capsules and Research Platforms
Highlighting the progress in research and development, Salarieh said Iran has advanced the design of a new generation of reentry capsules and experimental research platforms, capable of conducting suborbital and orbital life science tests, including studies on radiation, temperature, and pressure effects on living organisms.
Following the successful launch of a 500-kilogram reentry capsule in 2023, new prototypes are now under development, with subsystem testing scheduled to begin soon.
International Cooperation – China’s Chang’e 8 Mission
Salarieh emphasized the importance of international cooperation in space science. He revealed that Iran has joined China’s Chang’e-8 lunar program, with the design phase completed and engineering model development set to begin. He added that talks are also underway with other spacefaring nations to participate in future space station projects.
Iran to Join China’s Chang’e-8 Lunar Mission
WANA (May 01) – In a major step toward international space collaboration, Iran has officially joined China’s lunar exploration program, with plans to send a scientific payload aboard the upcoming Chang’e-8 mission. The Chinese government made the announcement during China’s Space Technology Day on April 24, 2025. As part of Iran’s 10-year national space […]
Advanced Imaging and Communication Satellites
Iran is advancing the next generation of remote-sensing and communications satellites. Projects include:
- Pars-3, with sub-meter imaging resolution.
- Radar SAR (Rad-2) satellite, with 20-meter imaging capability.
- Nahid-3, a high-bandwidth communications satellite.
- Pars-2, which is undergoing final tests before launch.
The Kowsar-2 satellite, developed by Iran’s private sector and offering four-meter imaging resolution, is also ready for launch after improvements to its initial version.
Iranian satellite system named Qaem is displayed during the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps(IRGC) Aerospace Force Museum in Tehran, Iran, November 15, 2024. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Shahid Soleimani Satellite Constellation
The ISA head reported progress on the Shahid Soleimani narrowband satellite constellation, consisting of about 20 nano-satellites in its first phase. Two experimental models – a 3U CubeSat and a 6U CubeSat – have already been built to test key subsystems developed by Iranian private companies.
Chabahar Spaceport Development
Salarieh highlighted the strategic role of the Chabahar National Spaceport, located in southeastern Iran.
- Phase I, designed for solid-fuel launchers, is nearly complete and preparing for its first launch.
- Phase II, which will support liquid-fuel rockets capable of heavier payloads and multiple launches, is in the design stage.
He noted that Chabahar’s geographical location enables easy access to a wide range of orbital inclinations, from 40 to 100 degrees – essential for sun-synchronous orbits and satellite constellations.
Chabahar Space Port. Social media/ WANA News Agency
Expanding University and Private Sector Partnerships
Salarieh stressed the role of universities and private firms in building Iran’s space ecosystem. Several tenders, including those for the Pajouhesh (Research) satellite series, will be opened to academic institutions and knowledge-based companies.
Outlook for 2025
Iran’s space program is expected to include multiple domestic and international launches this year, covering remote-sensing, communications, and experimental satellites, with precise launch dates subject to technical readiness.
