Iran sends 2 homegrown satellites into orbit using Russian rocket

6/11/2024 6:12

        Iran successfully launched two domestically produced satellites aboard a Russian Soyuz-2.1b rocket from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in eastern Russia early Tuesday, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.
        The satellites, named Kowsar and Hodhod, were developed by Iran's private sector, Tasnim reported. Kowsar, a 30-kg remote-sensing satellite, is equipped to capture high-resolution images intended for agricultural planning, natural resource management, environmental monitoring, and crisis management. It is expected to remain operational for about 3.5 years, orbiting at 500 km above Earth, with a primary focus on agricultural and land use applications.
        The smaller Hodhod satellite is designed for communications, supporting the development of communication networks and the Internet of Things. It will provide connectivity to remote areas lacking access to traditional networks and is also positioned at a 500-km orbit.
        Alongside Iran's satellites, the Soyuz-2.1b launched two heliophysics satellites and 53 smaller satellites into orbit, Russia's RIA Novosti news agency reported.
        Tuesday's launch marks Iran's latest space endeavor, following the February deployment of the Pars-1 satellite, also launched aboard a Soyuz rocket from Russia. In August 2022, Iran launched its Khayyam satellite from Kazakhstan's Baikonur spaceport, also using a Russian Soyuz carrier.