Iran Launches Its Own Imaging Satellite into Orbit Using Russian Rocket

Defense News ,Iran :-  Iran made an announcement on Thursday that they successfully sent a remote sensing and imaging satellite, named "Pars-I," into orbit. This launch was done in collaboration with Russia, using the Russian Soyuz-2.1b launcher. The event was televised live in Iran.

The satellite, "Pars-I," was developed entirely within Iran, as stated by the country's telecommunications minister, Issa Zareppur. He mentioned that Iran has accomplished a total of twelve satellite launches in the past two years. The launch took place from Russia’s Vostochny launch base, which is around 8,000 kilometers east of Moscow, according to the official IRNA news agency.

It's important to note that Western governments, including the United States, have consistently expressed concerns about Iran's satellite launches. They argue that the technology used for satellites can also be applied to ballistic missiles, including those designed for nuclear warheads.

Despite these concerns, Iran insists that its intentions are not related to nuclear weapons and that its satellite and rocket launches are solely for civil or defense purposes. In January, Iran had reported launching three satellites into orbit simultaneously, and shortly after, the Revolutionary Guards launched a research satellite.

Notably, in August 2022, Russia launched Iran’s Khayyam satellite into orbit from Kazakhstan. This move stirred controversy, with some fearing that Moscow could enhance its surveillance of military targets in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Moscow has been working to strengthen its alliances with countries facing criticism from the West, such as Iran.

In response to Iran's alleged support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the United States has announced plans to impose new sanctions on Iran. However, Tehran denies these allegations.