Iran Launches 2 New Satellites into Space
The two satellites were launched into orbit on the back of a Russian Soyuz satellite launcher from the Vostochny spaceport in Eastern Russia.
Kowsar is a remote-sensing satellite with the capability to capture high-resolution imagery for various purposes across the agricultural, natural resources, environmental, and crisis management fields among other areas.
Also, Hodhod is a small-sized satellite with communication applications, including creation of communication networks and contributions to the Internet of Things (IoT).
The latter could be used towards provision of communication services in remote and inaccessible areas, where land communication networks are not available.
Head of Iran’s Space Agency Hassan Salarieh said that the launch of the orbiters was the second development of its type to take place since last March after the country placed its Chamran satellite into orbit on board its Qa’em space launch vehicle (SLV).
He added that the country would be launching up to seven more satellites into space during the next five months, using Qa’em and Simorq, another home-made SLV.
Iran successfully attained the ability for orbital launches in 2009 and has made remarkable strides in its civilian space program, demonstrating resilience and innovation in the face of Western sanctions.
Iran stands as the ninth nation to successfully launch a domestically manufactured satellite into orbit using its own launch vehicle. It is now recognized among the world's top ten countries capable of developing and launching satellites.
The launch of Kowsar and Hodhod marks a significant milestone, showcasing the first-ever participation of the Iranian private space sector in the nation's expanding space program and enhancing the achievements of government space initiatives.
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