Iran launches three domestically developed observation Satellites into Orbit using a Russian Soyuz Rocket. The Satellites include- Paya, Zafir-2, and Kawsir-1.5 were launched from Russia’s Vostochny Cosmodrome and are now orbiting Earth at an altitude of approximately 500 km, according to Iran’s state media outlet IRNA.
Similarly, Iran officials were quoted as saying that the mission was conducted for civilian and research purposes. Sources knowledgeable of the matter added that the satellites were designed by Iran’s private sector academic institutions.
The satellite program is aimed at Earth observation, environmental monitoring, and resource management. These satellites weigh around 150 kg, and Paya is the most advanced and heaviest imageric satellite built by Iran to date. This satellite is packed with artificial intelligence capabilities to enhance image resolution and will be employed for monitoring water resources, mapping, and environmental analysis.
On the other hand, Zafir-2 was deployed by university researchers while Qosar-1.5 is an advanced high-resolution satellite version produced by a private Iranian firm. The rocket Soyuz was chosen for its reliability in carrying sensitive payloads. The Fars News Agency reported that Iran has conducted at least 10 satellite launches in the past two years.
The previous launch was made from a Russian facility in July. Officials further explained that the satellites will be utilized for civilian applications such as agricultural planning, disaster response during floods and earthquakes, and tracking environmental changes.
Iran’s Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Syed Sattar Hashemi, said developing the space industry is vital for the country’s development. In an address to reporters on Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Syed Abbas Araghji maintained that Iran’s satellite program was strictly civilian for scientific and peaceful use, unlike other countries, Tehran has a legitimate right to pursue satellite programs for non-military purposes.
Despite the Iran’s nuclear program in shambles following the June war in 2025, there are still three potential concerns related to the latest satellite launches by Iran i.e. the Missile Technology Advancement, Conventional Missile Threat, and Surveillance Capabilities.
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It means that Iran has enhanced its satellite imagery that could improve Iran’s intelligence-gathering ability potentially reducing Israel’s advantage in space-based surveillance during future conflicts. Conventional Missile Threat means Iran’s recent large-scale ballistic missiles attack on Israel highlighted the danger posed by its conventional missiles, which can eventually threaten Europe and the US as well.
If Iran tends to improve its intercontinental ballistic missile capabilities in the future. The continuous progress in Iran’s satellite program would mean that Iran’s ICBM capabilities are advancing with each launch despite the nuclear elements or the nuclear programs being stalled.
