In a landmark achievement for Iran's space program, the country successfully launched a domestically-developed satellite carrier, Simorgh, carrying the Saman-1 orbital transfer block, the Fakhr-1 nanosatellite, and an additional research payload into low Earth orbit (LEO) early Friday morning.

The launch took place at the Imam Khomeini Space Launch Terminal near Semnan, marking a significant step forward in Iran's growing space capabilities. According to Iranian media, the payloads achieved an orbital apogee of 410 kilometers and a perigee of 300 kilometers, a precision that underscores the sophistication of the mission.

The Saman-1 orbital transfer block, developed by the Iranian Space Research Center (ISRC), is designed to move satellites into higher orbits. This reduces reliance on large, high-fuel-consumption launch vehicles, making satellite deployment more efficient and cost-effective. The system's development aligns with Iran's strategic goals of advancing its space technology and expanding its operational range in orbit.

Speaking to Mehr news agency, Hassan Salaryieh, head of Iran's space agency, lauded the achievement, saying that the Saman-1 system provides a smoother transition for satellites to their operational orbits, enhancing Iran's competitiveness in satellite deployment.

Fakhr-1 honors martyr Fakhrizadeh

Among the payloads was the Fakhr-1 nanosatellite, named in tribute to Dr. Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, a prominent Iranian scientist. This compact, three-unit CubeSat was developed collaboratively by the Iranian Army, SA Iran Corporation, and Malek Ashtar University of Technology. It is equipped with advanced systems for telemetry, power management, and radio communications.

The satellite's mission is to validate technologies crucial for the future deployment of CubeSat constellations. Shortly after separation from the Simorgh launcher, Fakhr-1 successfully transmitted its first signals to ground stations, confirming its stability in orbit.

The moment Iran's"Fakhr 1" and "Saman 1" satellites were launched into space using Iran's home-made launcher Simorgh. pic.twitter.com/xJz5ePMVdL

— IRNA News Agency (@IrnaEnglish) December 6, 2024

Simorgh: A reliable workhorse

The Simorgh rocket, developed by the Iranian Ministry of Defense, carried the payloads to orbit in its eighth successful launch. The two-stage liquid-fueled rocket set a new national record by lifting a combined payload weight of 300 kilograms, demonstrating its ability to handle complex, multi-payload missions.

The launch precision, with a velocity tolerance of less than 0.1%, underscores the advancement of Iranian engineering in orbital deployment. Simorgh remains a critical component of Iran's space ambitions, capable of placing satellites into LEO with high accuracy.

Iran's growing space ambitions

Despite facing extensive sanctions, Iran has steadily developed its civilian space program, joining the ranks of the top 10 nations capable of designing, building, and launching satellites. This launch comes just months after the successful deployment of the Chamran-1 research satellite in September.

Iranian officials highlight these achievements as part of the nation's commitment to advancing its space technology, not only for scientific research but also for strengthening its strategic capabilities in satellite imaging and monitoring.

Read more: Iran sets new space launch record with new Soraya satellite

Iran continues to position itself as a regional leader in space technology. The country's focus on domestically-produced systems, such as the Saman-1 and Fakhr-1, conveys a broader strategy of self-reliance and innovation.