Iran’s Space Program Reaches New Heights: Research Satellite Launched
The Chamran-1 satellite was deployed into a 550-kilometer orbit
Tehran-Iran has successfully launched a research satellite, Chamran-1, into a 550-kilometer orbit using the Qaem-100 satellite carrier, developed by the Revolutionary Guards. The launch was announced by state media on Saturday, amidst accusations from the US and European nations that Iran has been supplying ballistic missiles to Russia for use in the Ukraine conflict, which Iran denies.
The Chamran-1 satellite, weighing 60 kg, aims to test hardware and software systems for orbital maneuvering and demonstrate technology for height and phase adjustments. The satellite’s mission also includes evaluating the cold gas propulsion subsystem and assessing navigation and attitude control subsystems.
This launch marks a significant achievement for Iran’s space program, which has experienced several failed satellite launches in recent years due to technical difficulties. The country has successfully launched other satellites, including the Pars 1 imaging satellite from Russia and three satellites using the Simorgh rocket.
The US military has raised concerns that Iran’s satellite launch technology could enable the development of long-range weapons, potentially including nuclear warheads. However, Iran asserts that its satellite activities are not a cover for ballistic missile development and that it has never sought to develop nuclear weapons.
