Iran’s Space Ambitions Soar: Nahid-2 Satellite Ready for Launch, 3 New Space Bases Planned
Iran is making significant strides in its space program, with the imminent launch of the advanced Nahid-2 telecommunications satellite and plans to inaugurate three new space bases by the end of the current Persian calendar year. These developments signal a determined effort to enhance Iran's capabilities in space communication, remote sensing, and satellite technology.
Nahid-2: A Leap in Communication Technology
Vahid Yazdanian, head of the Iranian Space Research Center, announced that the Nahid-2 satellite is ready for launch. This 120-kilogram communication satellite is designed to operate in a 500-kilometer orbit with a 56-degree inclination, utilizing the Simorgh launch vehicle. According to experts, the completion of Nahid-2 marks a significant development, especially concerning communication satellite technology.
Advanced Features: Nahid-2 is designed to offer a broad range of communication services and research applications, including data storage, transmission, and secure communication. Crucially, it will test chemical and hot gas propulsion for attitude control, a first for Iran's satellite fleet. It will also perform independent radio positioning without GPS by using Two-Line Element (TLE) data.
Pars-2: Enhancing Remote Sensing
Yazdanian also revealed that the Pars-2 remote sensing satellite is queued up for launch. This advanced version of the Pars-1 satellite promises superior imaging performance. It will capture color images with accuracy under 4 meters and black-and-white images with accuracy under 8 meters. Concurrently, Iran is developing the Pars-3 satellite, expected to offer even greater imaging precision.
Expanding Infrastructure: New Space Bases
Further bolstering Iran's space infrastructure, Sattar Hashemi, Iran’s minister of information and communications technology (ICT), stated three equipped space bases—Chabahar, Salmas, and Chenaran—will be launched by March 21, 2025. These bases are part of a broader strategy to commission giant projects related to satellite development and launch capabilities.
A Growing Satellite Fleet
Head of Iran's Space Agency Hassan Salarieh highlighted the country's ambition to achieve geostationary equatorial orbits (GEOs) and is actively developing new launchers and technologies. Over 25 Iranian satellites have been placed into orbit, many of which are still operational, including Mahda, Chamran, Pars-1, Hodhod, and Kowsar. These satellites are contributing to areas like remote sensing, communication, and Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, Iran plans to launch several satellites, including Zafar and Paya, and is developing a 1,500 kg biological capsule capable of carrying a human into space. They are also working on advanced biological capsules weighing 500 kg, furthering their space exploration goals.
What impact will these advancements have on Iran's technological landscape and its role in the global space community? Share your thoughts and perspectives in the comments below.