Tehran: Iran successfully launched its heaviest payload into space on Friday using the Simorgh carrier rocket, state television reported. The mission featured the deployment of the advanced Samān-1 transfer module, a CubeSat, and a research payload, marking a significant milestone in the country’s space program.
The Samān-1 module is designed to transfer satellites into higher-altitude orbits. According to the broadcast, all components were successfully placed in an elliptical orbit, with a high point of 410 km (255 miles) and a low point of 300 km (186 miles).
Technological Achievements
Iranian media hailed the launch as a breakthrough for the Simorgh, a two-stage liquid-fueled satellite launch vehicle developed by Iran’s Defense Ministry and Armed Forces Logistics. “During its eighth launch, it achieved a new milestone by successfully delivering the Samān-1 Orbital Transfer Block and two other research payloads with a combined weight of approximately 300 kg (660 pounds), setting a new national record for the heaviest payload launched into orbit,” Iranian sources noted.
This mission follows Iran’s recent advancements in space technology. In January, the Simorgh rocket carried three satellites simultaneously into space for the first time, including a 32-kg satellite and two nano-satellites. The devices tested narrowband communication and geopositioning technology.
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In September, Iran launched the Chamran-1 research satellite into a 550-km (340-mile) orbit using the Qaem-100 satellite carrier, further demonstrating its growing capabilities.
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Context of the Launch
The launch coincides with ongoing international tensions. The United States and European countries have accused Iran of transferring ballistic missiles to Russia, allegedly for use in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Iran has denied these allegations, maintaining that its space program is focused on peaceful purposes.
