Iran’s defense minister says the country has reached a new level of maturity in its space program following the successful launch of three domestically built satellites late last month, including “the heaviest Iranian satellite ever placed into orbit.”
Defense Minister Amir Azizi Nasirzadeh made the remarks during a visit to Iran Electronics Industries (SAIRAN) on Saturday, where he viewed live images transmitted by the Paya satellite as it passed over Iranian territory.
Nasirzadeh said the December 28 launch marked a “significant achievement,” noting that Paya was developed by Defense Ministry scientists at SAIRAN.
He went on to say that the satellite’s successful activation sequence, carried out by SAIRAN’s mission control center, was “a proud moment” for the country.
Nasirzadeh further noted that cooperation between the Iranian Space Agency, the Ministry of Communications, and defense-related industries has created “strong synergy” that is accelerating progress in the sector.
According to the Iranian defense minister, the Islamic Republic began work in the space field nearly 34 years ago, with its first successful satellite launch occurring about 27 years ago, adding that the country has now reached “a very promising level of maturity.”
“We cannot ignore the space domain,” he said, warning that new global actors are entering the field.
Nasirzadeh further stressed, “We must remain active and demonstrate our role, because the Islamic Republic of Iran is capable in this arena.”
He also stated that universities, private companies, and the Defense Ministry are jointly contributing to recent advances and that new programs are planned for the coming year in cooperation with the Iranian Space Agency.
Nasirzadeh said he expects the sector to continue expanding.
“This field has a bright future,” he said. “Strong plans have been prepared, and we hope to become one of the major space powers in the future.”