A Russian rocket is set to launch two privately developed Iranian satellites into orbit early Tuesday, according to the Iranian embassy in Moscow, which celebrated the close space collaboration between Moscow and Tehran.
The partnership between the two nations has strengthened amidst Russia’s military actions in Ukraine and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, with space launches being a key component of their expanding alliance.
“In continuation of the development of Iran-Russia scientific and technological cooperation, two Iranian satellites—Koswar and Hodhod—will be launched into a 500-kilometre orbit,” said Iran’s ambassador in Moscow, Kazem Jalali, on social media Monday.
The launch is scheduled for 02:48 Tehran time (2318 GMT on Monday) using a Russian Soyuz rocket.
The satellites, which focus on imaging and communications, were designed and constructed by Iran’s Omid Faza Company. They are intended to enhance agriculture, environmental monitoring, and communication in remote regions.
While Russia has previously launched Iranian satellites, this marks the first instance involving a private sector initiative, Jalali noted.
“There is hope that with the launch of these two satellites, a firm and decisive first step will be taken towards the entry of the private sector of the Islamic Republic of Iran into the space sphere,” he stated.
The West has expressed concerns regarding Iran’s developing space program, fearing that the same technology could be utilized for launching nuclear-capable ballistic missiles. However, Tehran maintains that its space program is peaceful and adheres to a UN Security Council resolution aimed at limiting its ballistic missile capabilities.
Additionally, Moscow has faced accusations of employing Iranian military technology, particularly self-detonating Shahed drones, during its offensive in Ukraine.
