Recently launched Iranian satellites successfully enter in-orbit testing stage
Tehran - BORNA - Throughout the orbital tests, all three satellites progressed into the subsystem performance evaluation phase, and their overall conditions were reported as favorable.
As a result of a problem that arose during the orbital injection of the Paya satellite by the launch vehicle, significant focus was placed on stabilizing the satellite, and required corrective actions were executed with great accuracy.
The Paya satellite has successfully finished testing its power supply and distribution, thermal management, telemetry and telecommand communications, positioning, stabilization, attitude control, and pointing subsystems. At present, the evaluation of its imaging communication subsystem is underway.
The Kowsar satellite has also effectively completed tests of its power supply and distribution, thermal management, telemetry and telecommand communications, positioning, and stabilization subsystems. The satellite has now commenced the testing phase for its attitude control and pointing subsystems.
Additionally, the Zafar-2 satellite has successfully finished the preliminary tests of its power supply and distribution, thermal management, positioning, as well as telemetry and telecommand communications subsystems. It is currently undergoing supplementary tests on related subsystems.
The assessment of its rotational stability has been reported as satisfactory, and following the conclusion of ongoing tests, evaluations concerning attitude control and data management, including transmission, storage, and retransmission, will commence.
Satellite in-orbit testing is a comprehensive and staged procedure conducted over a span of several weeks following launch, during which the functionality of each subsystem is systematically assessed under genuine orbital conditions.
In accordance with the established timetable, summaries detailing the technical measures and outcomes from these tests will progressively be accessible to specialists and enthusiasts in the space industry.
On December 28, 2025, the three Iranian satellites of Zafar-2, Paya (Tolou-3), and Kowsar were launched into space aboard Russia’s powerful Soyuz launch vehicle and were successfully placed into orbit.
Hours after the launch, the reception of the first vital signals from the satellites began, indicating their normal operation.
The Zafar-2 satellite has a resolution of 15 meters, meaning that each point or pixel in the final image covers an area of 15 by 15 square meters on the Earth’s surface.
Although this degree of precision is inadequate for identifying intricate details like vehicles, it has been characterized as an essential instrument for macro-level national management, allowing officials to oversee the condition of forests, fluctuations in water resources, and the well-being of agricultural products on a broad scale.
The Paya satellite, also known as Tolou-3, has been presented as a representative of a new and more sophisticated category of Iranian satellites.
The satellite, weighing 150 kilograms, has surpassed conventional lens-based cameras by employing cutting-edge telescopic camera technology and has achieved a base resolution of 5 meters.
It is noteworthy that the application of artificial intelligence algorithms can improve the image quality of Paya to a distance of up to 3 meters.
Furthermore, the satellite is fitted with a propulsion system that enables it to modify its altitude and maintain its orbit for extended durations.
End Article