Iran has successfully sent a new research satellite, called Chamran-1, into space. This was done using a rocket made by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.
Even though Western countries have criticized and objected to these actions, Iran continues to develop its space technology.
The satellite is meant for research, testing how well space equipment works in orbit. This launch shows Iran is moving forward with its space program despite international disapproval.
The primary mission of the Chamran-1 research satellite, which weighs 60kg (132 pounds), “is to test hardware and software systems for demonstrating orbital manoeuvring technology in height and phase”, state media said on Saturday following what it said was a “successful” launch.
“It was put into orbit by the Ghaem-100 carrier,” the report said, adding that its first signals have also been received.
The Ghaem-100 rocket, made by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, successfully launched a new satellite named Chamran-1 into space.
This rocket is special because it’s the first one from Iran to use solid fuel in three stages, which helps it go higher into space, reaching over 500 kilometers up.
Western countries are worried about these launches because the technology used to send satellites into space can also be used to make missiles that could carry nuclear bombs.
They’ve warned Iran about this, but Iran continues with its space program, claiming it’s for peaceful purposes like research and communication.
Iran maintains that it is not seeking nuclear weapons and that its satellite and rocket launches are for civilian or defence purposes only.
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The launch comes as the United States and European countries accuse Iran of transferring ballistic missiles to Russia that would be likely used in its war with Ukraine. Iran has denied this.
Iran has been working on its space program, saying it’s all about peaceful research, like exploring space or improving communication. However, not everything goes smoothly; some of their satellites have blown up during takeoff.
In January, Iran managed to send a satellite named Sorayya into space, reaching the highest point they’ve ever achieved, about 750 kilometers (465-mile) up.
Then, in February, Russia helped Iran by launching one of its satellites into space. This satellite was meant for taking pictures and gathering data from space.
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But this move upset the United States, which criticized it because they worry this kind of technology could also be used for making weapons.
Iran has launched twelve satellites in the last two years. This happened while the country was dealing with tough economic restrictions from Western countries.
These restrictions got worse after the United States, led by President Donald Trump at the time, decided to pull out of an important agreement about Iran’s nuclear activities that was made with several major countries back in 2018.
