Pezeshkian Administration’s Achievement in the Space Sector

Tehran - BORNA - In the first year of the 14th administration, Iran’s space industry witnessed remarkable advancements—from the successful launch of domestically developed satellites to the active participation of the private sector in orbital missions. These achievements signal the beginning of a new era in the country’s pursuit of space independence.

As the Pezeshkian administration enters its second year, reviewing the performance of strategic sectors offers a balanced lens to assess progress and challenges. One such field is Iran’s revitalized space industry, marked by successful satellite launches, growing private sector involvement, and infrastructure development.

Reforming Space Governance

A key initiative under the administration was the reactivation of the Supreme Space Council, during which President Pezeshkian stressed the need to “apply space technology” in practical terms. He called for a time-bound national roadmap to reduce overlap, optimize resources, and enhance efficiency in executing space projects.

Notable Launches: Chamran to Navak

Chamran-1 Satellite: Launched on September 14, 2024, aboard the Qaem-100 solid-fuel launcher, Chamran-1 entered a 550 km orbit. Developed by Iran Electronics Industries in collaboration with the Aerospace Research Institute and private firms, it is designed to test maneuvering and cold-gas propulsion technologies.

Qaem-100 Launcher: Built by the IRGC Aerospace Force, this launcher successfully completed its second orbital mission, confirming Iran’s indigenous capabilities in solid-fueled space launches.

Kosar Imaging Satellite: Unveiled in July 2024, Kosar has a resolution of 3.45 meters and is scheduled for launch aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket in fall 2025. Designed by the knowledge-based firm OmidFaza, Kosar is Iran’s first medium-resolution imaging satellite with this level of private sector involvement.

Hodhod Satellite: This satellite focuses on IoT communication and feasibility studies for space innovation. Kosar and Hodhod were launched together from Russia’s Vostochny Cosmodrome on November 5, 2024.

Saman-1 and Fakhr-1

On December 6, 2024, the Saman-1 orbital transfer block, along with a cubesat and research payload, was launched aboard the liquid-fueled Simorgh rocket into elliptical orbit. The launch set a new national record for payload mass (300 kg).

The mission also deployed Fakhr-1, a 3U nanosatellite named after Dr. Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, built by Iran’s Ministry of Defense for technology demonstration in satellite constellations.

National Space Technology Day Satellites

Three satellites were unveiled:

Navak-1: A 34 kg communications satellite with a dosimeter and magnetic field sensors. It will test upgraded Simorgh launcher performance and various satellite subsystems.

Pars-2: A 150 kg imaging satellite with dual sensors (3m color and 4m panchromatic) capable of multispectral integration, useful for forestry, urban management, and disaster monitoring.

Upgraded Pars-1: Featuring multispectral, SWIR, and TIR payloads with imaging resolutions of 15m, 150m, and 300m respectively. It includes a three-axis control system, GPS, and a cold gas thruster for orbital corrections. It is equipped with a secondary dosimeter payload and built on a robust honeycomb frame for launch vibration resistance.

Private Sector Enters Orbit

In a milestone event in November 2024, two private Iranian satellites—Kosar and Hodhod—were launched aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket. Kosar (30 kg) and Hodhod (4 kg) represent the first non-governmental Iranian contributions to orbital missions.

Infrastructure Development: Chabahar Spaceport

To build sustainable launch capabilities, the Pezeshkian administration prioritized the Chabahar Spaceport, which reached 80% progress by the end of 2024. Ground stations in Salmas and Chenaran are also over 75% complete, laying the groundwork for a complete domestic space operations cycle.

Outlook

Despite remaining challenges such as sanctions, limited foreign investment, and institutional overlap, the stabilization of domestic launchers, progress in infrastructure, and the emergence of private participation suggest a promising trajectory for Iran’s space program.

As year two begins, the sector requires smarter policymaking, investment attraction, and integration into international markets—an evolution that could turn space from a marginal initiative into a driver of national development.

About the author: Fateme Moradkhani covers technology, surveillance, and AI ethics for Borna News Agency, with a focus on global cyber power and digital militarization.

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