Iran’s private space sector in new milestone with satellite launches

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
5 Nov 2024 18:11

Iran's private space sector achieved a breakthrough with the successful launch of its first domestically produced satellites, Kowsar and Hodhod, expanding its capabilities in Earth observation and satellite-based communications.

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A Soyuz rocket lifts off from a launch site in Vostochny, far eastern Russia to carry satellites, including two built by Iran, into orbit on November 5, 2024. (Roscosmos via AP)

In a major development for Iran’s private space sector, satellites Kowsar and Hodhod were successfully launched into orbit on a Russian Soyuz rocket, marking Iran’s first private venture in satellite production and space deployment. The mission, which deployed a total of 53 satellites, highlights Iran’s growing capacity in space technology.

The Kowsar satellite, weighing 30 kg, is a high-resolution Earth observation satellite designed for agricultural monitoring, natural resource management, environmental oversight, and disaster response. With a resolution of 3.45 meters, Kowsar exceeds Iran’s 2025 goal of achieving 10-meter resolution in satellite imagery. Positioned 500 kilometers above Earth, it operates with a 3.5-year lifespan, capturing six frames per second over a 15-kilometer range. It uses both RGB and NIR cameras and maintains power with a 44-watt-hour system, consuming 29 watt-hours for payload operation.

Meanwhile, the Hodhod satellite is a small communications CubeSat aimed at enhancing connectivity, especially in remote areas. Designed to support satellite-based communication networks and Internet of Things (IoT), Hodhod targets applications in precision agriculture, logistics, and environmental monitoring, providing communication in regions lacking terrestrial infrastructure. Positioned in a 500-kilometer orbit, its mission centers on advancing IoT capabilities.

Russia, Iran to sign strategic partnership agreement on defense

An updated partnership agreement between Russia and Iran, emphasizing defense cooperation, is expected to be signed soon, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced last week.

Speaking at the second Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security, Lavrov highlighted the significance of this treaty in strengthening Russian-Iranian relations.

"A major factor in strengthening Russian-Iranian relations will be the treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and Iran that is being prepared for signing soon," Lavrov said.

Lavrov underlined that the agreement "will confirm the parties' desire for closer cooperation in the field of defense and interaction in the interests of peace and security at the regional and global level."

The announcement follows an earlier statement by Russian President Vladimir Putin at the BRICS summit in Kazan on October 23, where he revealed plans for the imminent signing of the treaty with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Kazem Jalali, Iran's ambassador to Russia, also confirmed that the document would be finalized during an upcoming visit by the Iranian president to Moscow.