TEHRAN – Iran has unveiled plans for a series of satellite launches in the second half of the current year, underscoring its determination to expand its domestic space program and reduce reliance on foreign technology.
Hassan Salarieh, head of the Iranian Space Agency (ISA) and deputy communications minister, said preparations are underway for the launch of several satellites, including Zafar, Paya, the upgraded Kowsar, and experimental models of the Shahid Soleimani narrowband communications constellation. He also confirmed that the newly built Chabahar Space Center is ready for its inaugural launch.
Salarieh made the announcement Sunday night during a lunar eclipse observation event at the Khayyam Observatory, where he also outlined Iran’s achievements in the first half of the year.
The Chabahar base, also known as the Mahdi Space Center, has made “very significant progress,” Salarieh said, adding that its first launch will take place soon. He emphasized that the new facility, along with projects in Salmas and Chenaran, will expand Iran’s ability to control satellites and analyze data domestically.
He highlighted the unveiling of the second version of the Kowsar satellite during Government Week, designed and built by the private sector. Salarieh said Iran is increasingly relying on homegrown expertise, with knowledge-based companies playing a growing role in national projects.
Iran plans to launch the upgraded Kowsar, along with Zafar, Paya, and test units of the Shahid Soleimani constellation by year’s end. While some schedules may shift due to technical adjustments, Salarieh expressed confidence that “at least by the end of this year, these launches will be carried out.”
The Kowsar program, he noted, has focused on strengthening Iran’s remote-sensing capacity, particularly in agriculture and land management. The Zafar satellite, developed jointly by the Iran University of Science and Technology and the ISA, is aimed at high-resolution earth observation for environmental monitoring and disaster management. Meanwhile, Paya is expected to complement these efforts by supporting agricultural and territorial mapping.
The Shahid Soleimani project, still in its experimental stage, represents a new domain for Iran in satellite communications. Salarieh said modified test units would be launched soon, marking the start of an ambitious plan for a broader constellation.
Beyond domestic projects, Salarieh underscored Iran’s participation in the Chinese-led Chang’e-8 mission, calling it a “major achievement” that will provide access to cutting-edge lunar research. He said such international cooperation reflects Iran’s growing role in space science, even as Western sanctions attempt to isolate the country.
In addition to satellite launches, Salarieh confirmed that Iran is developing advanced bio-space capsules with improved control and guidance systems. These capsules, now in the design and construction phase, aim to expand Iran’s capabilities in space medicine and biological research.
Salarieh framed the space program as a symbol of national resilience, stressing that most of the upcoming projects rely heavily on domestic expertise. “These are complex programs, but our forecast is that by the end of the year, several key launches will have taken place,” he said.
He added that despite technical challenges, Iran remains committed to building an integrated constellation of satellites capable of supporting communications, earth observation, and strategic applications.