Russia sends 3 Iranian satellites into orbit, report says
TEHRAN, Iran — Russia successfully launched three Iranian communications satellites into orbit on Sunday, marking the second joint mission between the two countries since July, as reported by Iranian state television.
The satellites – Paya, Kowsar, and Zafar-2 – were launched by a Russian rocket from the Vostochny launchpad in eastern Russia, reaching a 500-kilometer orbit around Earth. Paya, the heaviest among them at 150 kilograms, is Iran’s most substantial satellite deployed to date, while Kowsar weighs 35 kilograms. The weight of Zafar-2 was not specified in the report.
Equipped with high-resolution imaging capabilities of up to 3 meters, the satellites will aid in various applications such as water resource management, agriculture, and environmental monitoring, with a projected lifespan of up to five years.
Russia’s continued support in launching Iranian satellites underscores the strong bilateral relations between the two countries. This collaboration follows the successful launch of the Iranian communications satellite Nahid-2 by a Russian rocket in July.
In light of a “strategic partnership” treaty signed between Russia and Iran earlier this year, Russia condemned Israeli and U.S. airstrikes on Iran during a recent air conflict that resulted in casualties on both sides.
Iran’s satellite launch initiatives are part of its ongoing efforts to advance its space capabilities and technology.
The United States has criticized Iran’s satellite launches, citing violations of a U.N. Security Council resolution. The U.S. has urged Tehran to refrain from activities involving ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Sanctions related to Iran’s ballistic missile program are set to expire in 2023.
