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Iran on Sunday launched three domestically built observation satellites into space from Russia. The satellites, Zafar-2, Paya, and Kowsar 1.5, were launched from the Russian Vostochny Cosmodrome by a Russian Soyuz rocket, according to Iranian state media.
“Three Iranian satellites, Zafar-2, Paya and Kowsar 1.5, were launched into space by a Soyuz rocket from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia,” Iranian television reported.
The IRNA news agency said the satellites were designed by Iran’s private sector and would be used for observation purposes.
IRNA described Paya as Iran’s most advanced domestically produced imaging satellite, adding that it uses artificial intelligence to improve image resolution.
The satellite will be used for mapping, environmental monitoring, and water resource management, according to the agency.
The Russian Soyuz launcher was chosen because it is one of the most reliable in the world for transporting sensitive satellites, according to the Fars news agency.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in a statement released ahead of Sunday’s launch, emphasised that Iran’s satellite programme is civilian and scientific in nature and expressed the ministry’s full support for the Iranian Space Agency.
“Iran’s activities in nuclear science, defence industries, nanotechnology, and satellite development are entirely peaceful and intended for peaceful purposes,” Araghchi said.
In the last two years, Iran has launched ten satellites, including one from the same Russian launch site in July.
The country added that its aerospace industry is peaceful and complies with UN Security Council resolutions imposed over its nuclear programme.
