Iran successfully launched three satellites on Sunday using a Russian Soyuz rocket from Russia’s Far East, marking the latest stage in growing Iran-Russia space cooperation.
The satellites Kowsar 1.5, Paya, and Zafar-2 were carried alongside payloads from other countries, including Kuwait and Belarus.
Kowsar 1.5 is an upgraded remote-sensing satellite developed for high-resolution imaging, with a particular focus on agricultural applications. It was produced by a local knowledge-based company in collaboration with the Iranian Space Agency, demonstrating growing public-private cooperation within Iran’s space sector.
Zafar-2, designed by the Iran University of Science and Technology, is an advanced Earth-observation platform weighing between 100 and 135 kilograms. It is intended to provide high-resolution imagery for monitoring and managing natural resources.
The heaviest of the three, Paya, at approximately 150 kilograms, was produced by Iran Electronics Industries with support from the Iranian Space Agency. It is regarded as one of Iran’s most advanced domestically built imaging satellites.
The launch was broadcast live by Iran’s state media. No official reaction has yet been reported from the United States or European countries, which have previously raised concerns over Iran’s satellite programme, citing potential violations of UN Security Council resolutions—a claim Iran has consistently rejected.
Ahead of the launch, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasised the civilian and scientific nature of the programme, stating:
"Iran’s activities in nuclear science, defence industries, nanotechnology, and satellite development are entirely peaceful and intended for peaceful purposes."
Kazem Jalali, Iran’s ambassador to Russia, highlighted Tehran-Moscow collaboration in the space sector, noting that this launch marks the seventh Iranian satellite carried into space by Russia. He said the partnership reflects ongoing cooperation in satellite technology, launch vehicles, and deployment.
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Here's your AnewZ Daily Brief for 18 September 2026. These are the top five stories making headlines in the field of science.
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