A Russian Soyuz-2.1 rocket launched from the Vostochny Cosmodrome on Tuesday, successfully carrying a payload of 53 small satellites into orbit, including two Iranian satellites. Russia’s space agency, Roscosmos, reported that the Iranian satellites, named Kowsar and Hodhod, were deployed into orbit nine minutes after liftoff. Kowsar, an imaging satellite with a three-year lifespan, and Hodhod, a communications satellite expected to operate for four years, are the first Iranian satellites launched for the country’s private sector.
This launch underscores increasing cooperation between Moscow and Tehran, who have strengthened their ties in recent years. Previously, in 2022, Russia launched an Iranian observation satellite, Khayyam, built in Russia. Moscow also sent another Iranian research satellite, Pars-1, into space earlier this year to map Iranian topography.
The growing partnership between Russia and Iran has faced criticism from the West, especially as Tehran has been accused of supplying drones to Moscow for use in Ukraine. In response, both nations have plans to formalize their alliance with a comprehensive partnership agreement, expected to be signed during an upcoming visit by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Russia, though a date has not been set.
The Iranian satellites launched this week come as Iran’s space program works to overcome a series of failed launches, especially in the Simorgh satellite program, which experienced five unsuccessful attempts. In parallel, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps has run a separate space initiative with successful launches from a military base near Shahroud. However, this site was reportedly targeted by Israel in late October, causing minimal damage, according to Iranian officials.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE