A fresh rocket project in Iran is nearing completion, with officials signaling a clear path toward deploying a satellite into space. Reports from TASS, citing Seyed Ahmad Hosseini, the official representative for Iran’s space group within the Ministry of Defense, confirm the status and timeline of the development. The emphasis remains on a vehicle that can place cargo into higher orbits and support a growing national space program.
The launch vehicle carries the designation Sarir. It is described as a compact system weighing roughly one and a half tons, designed to deliver a payload of six or seven satellites into orbit at an altitude of 36,000 kilometers, which corresponds to geostationary orbit. Officials have highlighted Sarir as a milestone for Iran, marking the first time the nation would operate a launch vehicle capable of delivering payloads specifically into geostationary orbit. The project traces its development back to 2023, reflecting a sustained effort to expand launch capabilities within the country.
Earlier milestones illustrate a sequence of space activities on Iranian soil. In late January, Iran conducted a mission using the Simorgh, also known as Phoenix, launch vehicle, successfully deploying three satellites. Earlier in the month, the Soraya satellite joined the catalog of objects in orbit, following a separate deployment from the Iranian space program. These steps reflect a phased approach to building operational capabilities and expanding the nation’s satellite infrastructure.
On the broader international stage, the United States has continued to impose additional sanctions related to Iran and North Korea. The evolving regulatory environment forms part of the external context in which Iran pursues advances in space technology and related aerospace endeavors. Analysts note that the sanctions regime adds layers of complexity to procurement, collaboration, and technology transfer discussions while not directly halting domestic ambitions. The situation remains closely watched by governments and space stakeholders around the world, who weigh technical progress against geopolitical considerations.