WANA (Jun 17) – Iran’s Minister of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Seyed Sattar Hashemi, announced that the country is currently planning the orbital launch of its new “Pars 2” satellite.

 

Emphasizing that Iran’s space industry will not be halted by threats or destruction, Hashemi declared that the sector’s most valuable asset is its domestic expertise and specialized workforce, which has successfully kept the program resilient following the recent “Ramadan War.”

 

Post-War Recovery and Key Milestones

Speaking at a meeting with elites and managers of the Iranian Space Research Center (ISRC), Hashemi revealed crucial upcoming timelines for Iran’s space program.

 

Pars 2 Launch: Comprehensive planning is underway to place the “Pars 2” satellite into orbit.

 

Martyr Soleimani Constellation: The “Martyr Soleimani” satellite constellation, focusing primarily on telecommunications, is being prioritized and will be fully ready for launch by the end of the current Iranian calendar year (March 2027).

 

The minister lauded space industry personnel for maintaining satellite communications and preserving infrastructure under the difficult conditions of the Ramadan War. He noted that while adversaries believed damaging physical infrastructure would cripple Iran’s space progress, indigenous knowledge has enabled swift reconstruction and continuity.

 

Strategic Vision: Governance and Private Sector Expansion

Hashemi outlined a strategic vision for the ICT Ministry under the 14th government, emphasizing that space technology must be integrated into daily life and national governance. Key focal points include:

 

  • Smart agriculture, water resource management, and land use.
  • Enhancing data-driven national governance and e-government.
  • Leveraging technology to tackle national energy supply shortages.

 

To boost the industry’s long-term resilience, Hashemi proposed a dual-track approach: deepening technological diplomacy with aligned nations and actively integrating the capabilities of the domestic private sector. He also stressed the importance of commercialization and identifying new markets for space services, such as energy and resource management.

 

Elite Retention and Workforce Welfare

A major portion of the minister’s address focused on the human element of the tech sector. Hashemi asserted that regional and global technological competitiveness is impossible without addressing the livelihood, motivation, and job security of elite scientists.

 

He pledged that the ICT Ministry would seriously pursue the welfare, financial demands, and infrastructure needs of space researchers to prevent brain drain and ensure a stable environment for scientific research.

 

Institutional Progress and Damage Reports

During the meeting, which included Iran Space Agency (ISA) chief Hassan Salarieh and ISRC head Mehdi Mokari, space officials presented reports on the status of infrastructure and the extent of damages inflicted on various space facilities across the country during the conflict, alongside mitigation strategies.

 

Concluding the session, ISRC President Mehdi Mokari highlighted the institute’s problem-solving approach, announcing that they have mapped out the technological needs of over 300 government executive bodies. Mokari also revealed a newly signed agreement with Iran’s Geological Survey to utilize space applications for broader national services.