“Kosar” Satellite Enters Operational Stabilization Phase; Next-Generation “Kosar 1.7” Under Development
WANA (Jan 06) – Latest technical assessments indicate that Iran’s “Kosar” satellite has successfully passed its orbital stabilization phase and, following upgrades to its communication links, has entered the energy management and operational utilization stage.
At the same time, the project’s technical team has launched development of the next-generation satellite, “Kosar 1.7,” with a focus on improving imaging capabilities and advancing satellite technologies.
According to the project’s lead operator, the upgraded version of Kosar has achieved a notable improvement in satellite communications. Telemetry data is now being received with greater stability, while command and data transmission to the satellite has also significantly improved compared to previous missions.
Technical teams report that during most visibility windows, two-way communication has been successfully established, and the volume of data received so far exceeds that of earlier launches conducted by the group.
In terms of attitude control, corrective commands have eliminated unwanted rotations, leading to stabilized orbital behavior. This phase is considered a critical milestone in any space mission, as precise attitude control is essential before entering full operational service. The current stability of Kosar is attributed to accurate orientation control and the reduction of unnecessary motion in orbit.
Preparation and Integration of the Kowsar Satellite to the Launch Vehicle.Social media/ WANA News Agency
Focus on Attitude Calibration and Energy Management
Following orbital stabilization, the next stage of the mission involves precise alignment of the satellite toward Earth while maintaining energy balance. During this phase, attitude calibration is being carried out to prevent energy imbalance and ensure long-term operational stability.
With unwanted rotations removed, energy management becomes more critical, as unfavorable orientation relative to the Sun could limit the satellite’s ability to rapidly compensate for power shortages.
As part of this process, the satellite has temporarily been placed in charging mode. Once this stage is completed, operational and mission engagement activities will resume.
Improved Power Supply Through Full Solar Cell Coverage
One of the key upgrades in the enhanced version of Kosar is the installation of solar cells across the entire satellite body. This measure has significantly reduced the energy imbalance issues experienced in some earlier projects, although precise orientation toward Earth remains essential to ensure stable power generation during mission operations.
Combined Use of Ground Stations
Satellite data reception has not been limited to a single ground station. Instead, a combination of the project’s dedicated ground station and other national ground stations has been used, increasing data reception capacity and expanding communication windows with the satellite.
Three Iranian Satellites Successfully Enter In-Orbit Testing Phase
WANA (Jan 04) – Iran’s satellites Zafar, Paya, and Kowsar have successfully passed various in-orbit testing stages during the first week after launch, with all three exhibiting satisfactory technical conditions. Evaluations indicate that the assessment and stabilisation of these satellites’ subsystems are proceeding according to plan. During the orbital tests, all three satellites entered […]
“Kosar 1.7”: The Next Step Forward
Alongside the stabilization of Kosar, development of “Kosar 1.7” is underway. This next-generation satellite will focus on enhancing camera resolution, upgrading selected subsystems, and advancing orbital transfer technologies. In parallel, plans for satellite constellation development are also being pursued, with efforts aimed at preparing the groundwork for operational deployment.
Operational Missions, Not Just Research
According to the project leadership, the satellites launched under this program are not purely experimental. They are designed as in-orbit technology demonstrations with operational objectives.
While technical risks are acknowledged, the primary goal is to identify and resolve potential issues and ultimately achieve reliable, operational satellite technology. With Kosar now in orbit, the mission carries a clear operational commitment, and completing its objectives is considered a priority.
Simultaneous Launch of Three Satellites from Russia
The mission was carried out on December 28, 2025, when three Iranian satellites— the upgraded “Kosar,” “Zafar-2,” and “Paya”—were launched simultaneously from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in eastern Russia aboard a Russian Soyuz launch vehicle.
The satellites were deployed into an orbit at approximately 500 kilometers above Earth’s surface, an altitude considered suitable for Earth observation, remote sensing, and practical data applications, while also enabling efficient communication with ground stations.
