Iran’s ambassador to Moscow, Kazem Jalali, announced on the social network X that a Russian Soyuz launch vehicle is scheduled to carry two Iranian satellites into orbit on November 5. The statement highlights a steady expansion of scientific and technological cooperation between Iran and Russia, reinforcing joint efforts in space research and development. A follow-up note from the Iranian diplomatic mission’s Telegram channel confirms that the mission fits within a broader framework of collaboration and points to the shared goals behind the project.
The satellites, named Kousar and Hadhad, are planned to be placed in a 500-kilometer orbit around the Earth. The launch is timed for 2:48 in Tehran, which corresponds to 2:18 in Moscow, reflecting the coordination of launch operations across time zones. The mission demonstrates a conventional low Earth orbit profile intended for remote sensing and data collection, a capability that can support Earth observation, environmental monitoring, and disaster response efforts in Iran and its partners. This dual-satellite deployment underscores the practical outcomes of the ongoing space partnership, with close alignment of technical readiness, ground segments, and payload integration to ensure a successful deployment.
Both satellites were designed and built by a cadre of young Iranian experts from Omid Faza, a knowledge-intensive company noted for its contribution to the nation’s tech sector. The project illustrates a deliberate push to cultivate homegrown talent and accelerate the participation of Iran’s private and semi-private entities in space infrastructure and services, aligning with broader national goals for advanced technology development.
The embassy’s statement frames the launch as a solid, decisive first step toward bringing Iran’s private sector into the space field. This emphasis signals a policy direction aimed at diversifying the space ecosystem, strengthening collaboration between government agencies and industry players, and expanding access to space capabilities and related services for civilian applications.
Earlier in October, Hassan Salari, head of Iran’s space agency, outlined a plan to orbit three locally produced remote sensing satellites by March 20, 2025. The plan points to a measured expansion of domestic space hardware production and data processing capacity, with an eye toward broader use of satellite imagery for agriculture, resource management, and environmental stewardship. The roadmap suggests a sustained push to build and leverage space assets within Iran’s borders while seeking productive international partnerships to advance technical capacity.
Historically, Iran has placed the Chamran-1 research satellite into orbit, marking an early milestone in the nation’s evolving space program. Chamran-1’s deployment is presented as a foundational achievement that informs current efforts, including the ongoing drive to involve private sector participants and strengthen international collaborations in future missions and data services.