Iran Successfully Launches and Operates Soraya Satellite
Iran has achieved a significant milestone in its space program with the successful launch and operation of its domestically-developed satellite, Soraya. The semiofficial Tasnim news agency reported on Sunday that Soraya, which was launched into orbit approximately 750 kilometers above Earth’s surface, has transmitted its first signal back to Earth.
Iran’s information and communications technology minister, Issa Zarepour, confirmed the reception of the satellite’s first signal via a post on the Iranian social media platform Virasty. He detailed that Soraya’s ground satellite tracking stations received signals and telemetry data, indicating the satellite’s subsystems were functioning correctly and that the satellite was in good condition.
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The Soraya satellite, weighing 47 kilograms and designed for research and telecommunication purposes, has an expected lifespan of three years. It was launched using the Qaem-100, a three-stage solid-fuel launch vehicle developed by the Aerospace Division of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Zarepour announced the satellite’s launch on Saturday, noting it set a new record for altitude.
The Soraya satellite was manufactured by the Iranian Space Research Center, the semiofficial Fars news agency reported. Additionally, the IRGC successfully test-launched the Qaem-100 satellite carrier in November 2022, according to the official Islamic Republic News Agency.
