Soraya (space satellite)

2024: Product Announcement

On January 20, 2024, the Aerospace Forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the successful launch of the Iranian research satellite Soraya. The spacecraft is designed to test technologies in the field of communication.

The satellite was launched into low Earth orbit using a three-stage rocket "Kaem-100" (Qaem-100). This carrier with a solid fuel engine is capable of delivering satellites weighing up to 80 kg into space. The launch was attended by the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Major General Hossein Salami, the head of the Iranian Space Organization, Hassan Salarieh, the commander of the Aerospace Forces, General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, and other officials.

Launch of the Soraya satellite

Soraya became the first Iranian spacecraft to be launched into orbit with an altitude of 750 km. The satellite weighs approximately 50 kg. Telemetry data were obtained from the aircraft indicating that the power supply, automatic positioning, communication and control systems operate normally. The expected life of the satellite exceeds three years.

The Minister of Information and Communication Technologies of the Islamic Republic, Isa Zarepur, announced at the end of November 2023 that Iran plans to launch five spacecraft by the end of the Iranian calendar year (March 20, 2024). The launch of the Soraya satellite into a 750-km orbit marks a significant achievement for Iran. The country is also designing a biocapsule designed to send astronauts. It is expected that Iran will be able to organize its first manned space flight approximately in 2028. In general, Tehran is actively developing the national space program.^[1]

Notes