Tehran - BORNA - Dr. Hassan Salarieh made the remarks on Saturday at the opening ceremony of World Space Week 2025, held under the theme “Living in Space,” at the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (ICT).
Salarieh emphasized that, in line with Iran’s 10-year space roadmap and the Seventh Development Plan, various programs led by research centers and universities are underway in the field of space science and exploration. Among the key initiatives, he highlighted the development of biological capsules and reusable research platforms with precise control and guidance systems — effectively serving as space laboratories for sub-orbital and orbital tests related to living in space, radiation effects, and environmental changes on biological species.
He noted that following the launch of a 500-kilogram recoverable capsule in 2023, the research and development of a new generation of these platforms has begun, with significant progress achieved in design and manufacturing. “Tests on subsystems of the new capsule series will begin soon,” Salarieh said.
Salarieh referred to Iran’s participation in international lunar research, stating: “From late last year, we began active cooperation with China in the Chang’e-8 project. The design phase has been completed, and the engineering model will soon enter production.”
He underscored the importance of international cooperation in space, saying such collaboration will play a crucial role in the future economy and in utilizing valuable natural resources beyond Earth. “The existence of energy and mineral resources on other celestial bodies has been proven, and advanced nations are moving toward their exploitation,” he said.
Salarieh also revealed ongoing talks with several leading countries on participating in the design and construction of space stations, which could provide valuable opportunities for Iranian scientists conducting life-science experiments in space.
The ISA chief said that following the launch and performance evaluation of the Pars-1 and Nahid-2 satellites, upgraded versions are now being prepared for future launches.
He added that Pars-2, unveiled last year, is currently undergoing final tests before launch. Work is also progressing on Pars-3, a high-resolution imaging satellite (with resolution better than one meter), and the SAR radar satellite “Rad-2” with 20-meter imaging accuracy — both under development at the Iranian Space Research Institute.
In addition, the communication satellite Nahid-3, offering higher bandwidth and multiple telecommunication services, has been in design since last year and is advancing rapidly. “Satellites play an irreplaceable role in space-industry development and the delivery of practical services,” Salarieh stressed, noting that both public and private sectors are actively developing various satellite projects.
Salarieh announced the completion of the first prototype satellites of the “Martyr Soleimani” narrowband constellation project, consisting of about 20 nanosatellites in its initial phase. “These satellites will receive vital environmental and sensor data from across the country and relay it quickly to other regions,” he explained.
The first experimental model is a 3U satellite, and the second is a 6U satellite. “Many of their key subsystems, developed by private companies, are currently being tested through these prototypes,” he said.
Salarieh said the first phase of the Chabahar Spaceport, dedicated to solid-fuel launchers, is nearing completion. “We are now preparing for the first launch,” he confirmed.
He expressed hope that Phase Two, designed for liquid-fuel launch vehicles, will soon begin construction. “Liquid-fuel launchers can carry heavier payloads and are suitable for multiple-satellite and sun-synchronous orbit missions,” Salarieh noted.
Located in a geographically advantageous position, the Chabahar spaceport enables access to orbits with inclinations from approximately 40° to 100°, making it ideal for constellation and sun-synchronous launches.
Emphasizing the growing role of the private sector, Salarieh said the second version of the “Kosar” satellite, developed by an Iranian knowledge-based company, has now been built following the successful launch of the first model last year. “Kosar features imaging accuracy of about four meters and demonstrates the private sector’s high speed and capability within the national space ecosystem,” he stated.
The ISA chief confirmed that both domestic and international launches will continue this year. “The ‘Zafar-2’ and ‘Paya’ satellites, both Earth-observation missions, will be launched using a foreign launch vehicle in the coming months,” he said.
He also announced preparations for another Nahid-2 launch using Iran’s indigenous Simorgh rocket. “Additionally, several orbital and sub-orbital test launches are planned for the ‘Martyr Soleimani’ constellation and other research payloads,” Salarieh noted, adding that launch dates will be finalized based on technical readiness.
Finally, Salarieh emphasized close collaboration with universities to develop Iran’s space-industry ecosystem, supported by the Vice-Presidency for Science, Technology and Knowledge-Based Economy. “Our goal is to create innovative problem-solving hubs within universities,” he said, noting that tenders for research satellites, including Pajouhesh-1, Pajouhesh-2, and Pajouhesh-4, will soon be announced, allowing universities and research institutes to participate.
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