Iran Successfully Launches Three Satellites from Russian Soil, Advancing Its Space Program Amid Sanctions

On Sunday, Iran successfully launched three domestically manufactured observation satellites into orbit from Russia, as reported by state television. This event signifies a significant advancement for Tehran’s space program, despite the ongoing Western sanctions.

The Iranian government asserts that its aerospace activities are peaceful and adhere to UN Security Council mandates related to its nuclear ambitions.

According to Iranian television, the three satellites—Zafar-2, Paya, and Kowsar 1.5—were propelled into space by a Soyuz rocket launched from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia.

The official IRNA news agency highlighted that these satellites were designed for «observation» purposes and were developed by the private sector.

Notably, Paya stands out as Iran’s most sophisticated indigenous imaging satellite, utilizing artificial intelligence to enhance image clarity, as reported by IRNA. The satellite aims to assist in water resource management, environmental monitoring, and mapping activities.

The choice of the Russian Soyuz rocket is attributed to its reputation as one of the most dependable options for transporting delicate satellites, according to the Fars news agency.

In the past two years, Iran has conducted ten satellite launches, including one in July from the same Russian launch site.

Western nations express concerns that the technology used in these satellite launch systems may overlap with capabilities employed in ballistic missiles, which could potentially be adapted for delivering nuclear warheads.

Tehran refutes these claims, insisting that it is not pursuing nuclear weapons development.