Iran Sends Locally Made Satellites to Russia for Launch

Iran has dispatched two domestically produced satellites to Russia for deployment into orbit via a Russian space vehicle, as reported by Reuters with reference to the Tasnim news agency, affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The satellites, named Kowsar and Hodhod, represent the initial major efforts by Iran’s private space sector. The Kowsar satellite is designed for high-resolution imaging and is expected to serve various purposes, including agriculture, natural resource management, environmental monitoring, and disaster management. Meanwhile, Hodhod is a communications satellite intended for use in remote areas with limited access to terrestrial networks.

Reports indicate that Russia plans to utilize the Kowsar satellite to support its military operations in Ukraine for several months before returning control to Iran. US officials have previously expressed concerns regarding this partnership, particularly following Russia’s prior deployment of Iranian satellites into orbit in February 2022.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has stated that due to existing U.S. sanctions, Iran faces challenges in producing and exporting complex weaponry, such as ballistic missiles. However, the development of Kowsar and Hodhod signifies advancements in Iran’s space capabilities.

This satellite launch was initially scheduled for 2023 but was delayed due to issues with the launch vehicle.