Iran launched a research satellite into orbit today with a rocket designed by the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, IRNA news agency reported, quoted by BTA.
The information says that the satellite “Chamran-1“ weighs 60 kilograms and has successfully reached a 550-kilometer orbit in space. The main purpose of the satellite's mission is to test space hardware and software, the Associated Press reported.
IRNA reported that ground stations have received signals from the satellite. The agency reported that the satellite's carrier rocket “Qaem-199“, which uses solid fuel, was designed and manufactured by the Revolutionary Guard's aerospace division. Iran says it has 13 more satellite launches planned.
Although Iran has long planned to send satellites into orbit, this is the first launch under reformist President Massoud Pezeshkian since his hardline predecessor, Ebrahim Raisi, died in a helicopter crash in May. In January, Iran announced it had successfully launched three satellites into space.
The program is seen by the West as part of Tehran's upgrade of its ballistic missiles. The launch also comes at a time of heightened tensions across the Middle East over Israel's ongoing war with the radical Palestinian group “Hamas” in the Gaza Strip, raising fears of regional conflict.
The United States has already said that the launch of Iranian satellites violates a UN Security Council resolution and has called on Tehran not to undertake any activities related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons. UN sanctions related to Iran's ballistic missile program expired last October.