WANA (Jul 29) – The head of the Iranian Space Agency (ISA) emphasized the critical role of satellites in everyday life, stating that even if the public does not directly see satellites, they benefit from their services daily.

 

In a televised interview, Hassan Salarieh, President of the ISA, highlighted the successful launch of Nahid-2, describing it as Iran’s first telecommunications satellite operating in the KU frequency band.

 

“Nahid-2, which was successfully placed in orbit on July 25, is the first Iranian satellite to operate in the KU-band. It was designed and built by the Iranian Space Research Center in collaboration with a number of domestic knowledge-based companies,” he said.

 

A Leap Forward in Satellite Communications

Salarieh noted that the successful launch marks a significant step in advancing Iran’s space technology and entering the realm of broadband communications through the KU-band.

 

“Compared to the S-band used in previous Iranian satellites, the KU-band offers greater power and bandwidth, and is internationally used for services such as internet, television broadcasting, and wide-range communications,” he explained.

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

He further elaborated that the primary objective of the Nahid-2 mission is to test domestically developed technologies in space communications. “The satellite’s main payload includes a KU-band transmitter and receiver, alongside various subsystems such as power management, sensors, attitude control, and other telecommunication systems, all of which will be tested during the mission.”

 

In-Orbit Testing: A Time-Consuming but Vital Process

The ISA chief stressed that in-orbit testing is a sensitive and lengthy process that must proceed step-by-step. “Due to the complexity of the systems and to precisely detect any potential issues, operational tests may take weeks or even months. This is entirely routine and in accordance with international standards,” he said.

 

He added: “Communication in the S and UV bands was successfully established on the first day of the launch, and the satellite’s rotational stabilization was also achieved. This critical phase confirms the satellite’s stabilization in orbit and demonstrates that its control systems and processing boards are functioning properly.”

 

An Indigenous Achievement

When asked about the domestic content of the satellite, Salarieh confirmed: “Nahid-2 was fully designed, built, integrated, and tested inside Iran. While some components may have been sourced from abroad for cost-effectiveness, overall, this satellite is considered a fully indigenous product.”

 

He emphasized the unseen yet vital impact of satellites in daily life, stating: “From mobile GPS services to telecommunications, broadcasting, internet, and air and sea transportation — all rely on space technology and satellite infrastructure.”

 

Iran’s Competitive Edge in Cost-Efficient Space Industry

In response to a question about costs, Salarieh remarked: “Iran’s space industry is among the most cost-effective in the world. Our costs are even lower than those of traditionally low-cost countries in this field, giving us a serious competitive advantage.”

 

He added that Iran is reaching the final stages of technology stabilization. “Once this stage is complete, we can enter the phase of operationalization and export of services and products — the most important phase, showcasing the fruit of years of research and development.”

 

Iran Among Top Countries with Launch Capabilities

“We are among the 10 to 11 countries globally that possess space launch capabilities,” Salarieh said. “In terms of satellite development, we have surpassed the stage of nanosatellites and are now operationalizing satellites weighing over 100 kilograms, such as Nahid and Pars. While there is still a gap with leading countries, our growth rate is high, and we can bridge much of this gap.”

 

Regarding the testing process, he reiterated: “Testing is a calm, step-by-step procedure that must be conducted with high technical precision. Satellites comprise numerous components — some sensors, some processors — each with a critical role. If tests are not performed in order and with care, identifying the source of a malfunction becomes very difficult.”

This handout video grab taken and released on August 9, 2022 by the Russian Space Agency Roscosmos shows the Soyuz-2.1b rocket carrying the Khayyam satellite blasting off from a launchpad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome. – An Iranian satellite launched by Russia blasted off from Kazakhstan early August 9, 2022, and went into orbit amid controversy that Moscow might use it to improve its surveillance of military targets in Ukraine. (Photo by Yuri KADOBNOV / AFP)

Satellite Communications and the Road Ahead

Salarieh mentioned that low Earth orbit (LEO) and higher-orbit satellites like those in the Q band complement fiber-optic networks. “Nahid-2, at an altitude of about 500 kilometers, falls within the LEO category. We are also working on developing higher-orbit capabilities,” he noted.

 

Domestic Companies Pioneering Satellite Manufacturing

Salarieh praised the collaboration with domestic knowledge-based firms. “In the space industry, it’s uncommon for a single organization to handle everything. System design, testing, and integration typically occur at research institutions like the Space Research Center, but many subsystems are built by domestic knowledge-based companies — the result of two decades of effort.”

 

“Today in Iran, we have companies that manufacture attitude control systems, processing boards, sensors, and S and U-band receivers. This supply chain is gradually evolving into a full-fledged space ecosystem. Some companies are now capable of building entire satellites, not just subsystems — like the Kowsar satellite, which was designed, built, and launched by one such company last year.”

 

Salarieh reiterated: “Contrary to common belief, our space industry is not expensive. The cost of satellite manufacturing depends directly on its type, class, and mass. But compared to other countries, our expenses are significantly lower. We’ve defended this point with precise data in various meetings. Once we stabilize the technology, production costs will become even more economical, allowing us to offer competitive products globally.”

 

Iran’s Place in the Global Space Community

Asked about Iran’s rank in the global space community, Salarieh responded: “Assigning an exact rank isn’t very meaningful, but in many metrics, we are doing well. While some countries only build nanosatellites, we are producing satellites weighing over 100 kg. Nahid-2 is about 110 kg, and Pars was launched earlier with even greater mass. Only around 10 to 11 countries globally have space launch capabilities, and Iran is one of them.”

 

Future Missions and Transparency

Regarding the Nahid-3 project, Salarieh said: “It is currently in the design phase. Simultaneously, we are working on other projects like 406, which may reach completion sooner.”

 

He concluded by thanking the media for covering Iran’s space developments and emphasized that transparent updates from testing to full deployment will be regularly provided on the websites of the Ministry of Communications and the Iranian Space Agency, ensuring that enthusiasts stay informed step-by-step.