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Russia places three Iranian satellites into orbit as partnership strengthens
Russia has successfully launched three Iranian satellites into orbit, marking a new step in their growing space and technological collaboration. The satellites, named Paya, Zafar-2, and Kowsar, were lifted from the Vostochny Cosmodrome aboard a Soyuz-2.1b rocket at 13:18 GMT, according to official reports from both nations. Positioned approximately 500 kilometers above Earth, they are tasked with environmental monitoring, agricultural observation, and natural resource management.
Iranian officials hailed the achievement as proof of the country's scientific progress amid ongoing Western sanctions. Ambassador Kazem Jalali stressed that Iranian researchers designed and developed the satellites independently despite “all the sanctions and threats” imposed on Tehran. Built using indigenous technology from Iranian universities, research centers, and startups, the satellites were launched through Russia’s advanced orbital infrastructure.
The Paya satellite, weighing nearly 150 kilograms, stands as Iran’s most powerful Earth-observation satellite, boasting imaging capabilities of up to five meters in black-and-white resolution. Zafar-2, developed by the Iran University of Science and Technology, includes improved imaging and telecommunication tools compared with its earlier version. Kowsar adds an innovative feature that integrates remote sensing with Internet-of-Things technology to aid smart farming and environmental research.
This mission underscores the deepening strategic partnership between Moscow and Tehran, sealed earlier this year with a 20-year Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty. The agreement extends beyond space cooperation to cover energy, defense, and technological advancement. Jalali noted that Iran and Russia are expanding joint projects across multiple sectors, though some initiatives remain confidential.
While Tehran asserts that its space program is purely civilian, Western governments continue to express concern that developments in satellite launch technology could bolster the country’s missile capabilities. Moscow’s role in providing launch support has become critical for Iran’s advancement in space research, reflecting a partnership driven by shared economic and geopolitical interests under international sanctions.
