Iran Successfully Launches Three Satellites into Orbit
Iran has successfully put three homegrown satellites into orbit with a minimum altitude of 450 kilometers and a maximum of 1,100 kilometers above the Earth’s surface.
Mahda, Keyhan-2 and Hatef-1 satellites were launched from Imam Khomeini Space Launch Terminal in Semnan Province on Sunday by the Simorgh (Phoenix) satellite launch vehicle, which is manufactured by the Iranian Defense Ministry, Press TV reported.
Mahda is a research satellite designed, manufactured, assembled and tested at the Iranian Space Research Center. Weighing 32 kilograms, it is a lightweight satellite developed to test advanced satellite subsystems.
Mahda’s main task is to assess the performance of the Simorgh launcher in multiple injections of space cargo in low altitudes, as well as to evaluate new designs and the reliability of indigenous technologies in space.
Keyhan-2 and Hatef-1 nanosatellites were also designed and developed for launch by Iran Electronics Industries, a state-owned subsidiary of the Defense Ministry. Both are cubic nanosatellites weighing less than 10 kilograms.
Keyhan-2 is developed for space-based positioning. It has status determination and control subsystems to aim stably and precisely towards the Earth.
Hatef-1 seeks proving the use of narrowband communication technology in the Internet of Things (IoT).
Despite sanctions imposed by Western countries in recent years, Iran has managed to take giant strides in the civilian space program.
It is among the world’s top 10 countries capable of developing and launching satellites.
Last week, the Aerospace Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) launched Soraya satellite into orbit, using the Qaem 100 satellite carrier.
Iran’s Telecoms Minister Issa Zarepour said that, for the first time, Simorgh simultaneously put Mahda satellite and two other research payloads into orbit, adding that Mahda’s signal was received.
“I congratulate this important achievement to the beloved people and space experts, especially my colleagues, at the Iranian Space Research Center and the Defense Ministry,” he noted.