The largest satellite named Mahda was launched to test the accuracy of the Simorgh rocket; meanwhile, two smaller satellites were tasked with testing narrowband connectivity and positioning technology.
The two-stage Simorgh rocket carrying 3 satellites launched from an undisclosed location in Iran on January 28, 2024. (Source: AFP/TTXVN).
Iran’s state media reported that on January 28, the country successfully launched three satellites simultaneously for the first time, using the two-stage Simorgh (Phoenix) rocket developed by the Ministry of Defense.
Specifically, one satellite weighing 32kg along with two smaller satellites, each weighing less than 10kg, were placed into orbit at a minimum altitude of 450km above the Earth’s surface.
The largest satellite, Mahda, developed by the Iranian Space Agency, was launched to assess the accuracy of the Simorgh rocket in launching multiple devices at once.
Meanwhile, the two smaller satellites were designed to test narrowband connectivity and positioning technology.
Last month, Iran launched the Soraya satellite into orbit using a rocket developed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
In response to Western concerns that Iran’s rocket development technology could be used to develop long-range ballistic missile systems, Tehran reaffirmed on January 27 its legal right to develop space technology for peaceful purposes.
