Iran Plans to Launch Three Satellites by Year-End, Minister Says

Iran's Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Sattar Hashemi, announced on Wednesday that the country plans to launch three satellites by the end of the year, describing the development of the space industry as one of the government's key priorities. He highlighted the simultaneous launch of three Iranian satellites in cooperation with Russia as a major achievement.

The three satellites—Paya, Zafar and Kowsar—were developed with the participation of various sectors, including the government, universities and the private sector, Hashemi said. He also noted that Iran is advancing several launch infrastructure projects, although some facilities had been damaged during the recent war.

Hashemi stated that the first phase of the Chabahar Space Center has reached 98% completion, up from around 40%, and will provide a strategic location for placing communications and remote-sensing satellites into orbit. He also announced plans to place the Nahid-2 satellite into orbit. According to the minister, Nahid-2 was developed for the first time in the Ku band, with a woman executive playing a leading role in its development, and it will be used for telecommunications purposes.

Regarding the Shahid Soleimani constellation, Hashemi said it consists of 24 satellites—18 primary and six reserve. Iran plans to place three of them into orbit simultaneously this year, with launches of the remaining satellites planned for subsequent years.

According to Mehr News, the minister's remarks underscore Iran's continued focus on expanding its space program despite challenges.