Iran launches 3 new satellites aboard Russia’s Soyuz carrier

TEHRAN, Iran

Iran on Sunday successfully launched three new satellites into space aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket in Russia’s Far East.

The satellites – Kowsar 1.5, Paya, and Zafar-2 – represent the latest chapter in a series of Iranian satellite launches in recent years, many of which have been carried out with Russian cooperation.

The Soyuz carrier also carried payloads from other countries, including Kuwait and Belarus.

The Kowsar 1.5 satellite is an upgraded version of Iran’s previous remote-sensing platform, designed for high-resolution imaging with a focus on agricultural applications, according to Iranian officials.

It was developed by a local knowledge-based company in collaboration with the Iranian Space Agency, highlighting growing cooperation between the public and private sectors.

Zafar, another upgraded satellite, is an advanced Earth-observation platform designed and built by Iran University of Science and Technology.

Weighing approximately 100 to 135 kilograms, it is intended to transmit high-resolution images for monitoring and managing natural resources, according to reports.

Paya, the heaviest of the three satellites, was produced by Iran Electronics Industries in collaboration with the Iranian Space Agency. Weighing about 150 kilograms, it is a remote sensing satellite and considered one of the most advanced domestically built imaging satellites.

The launch was widely followed in Iran with a live telecast by the state broadcaster.

There has been no reaction so far from the US or its European allies on the latest launch. They have often expressed concerns over Iran’s space launches, claiming they violate UN Security Council resolutions. Iran has, however, rejected these claims.

In a statement released ahead of Sunday’s launch, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that Iran’s satellite program is civilian and scientific in nature and expressed the ministry’s full support for the Iranian Space Agency.

“Iran’s activities in nuclear science, defense industries, nanotechnology, and satellite development are entirely peaceful and intended for peaceful purposes,” he said.

While many of Iran’s satellite launches in recent years have faced technical difficulties, this latest launch further strengthens cooperation between Iran and Russia in space technology.

Kazem Jalali, Iran’s ambassador to Russia, speaking ahead of the launch on Sunday, said that Tehran-Moscow collaboration in the space sector is extensive.

He noted Russia’s leading role in space affairs, including satellite technology, launch vehicles, and satellite deployment, saying the latest launch marks the seventh Iranian satellite to be carried into space by Russia.