Just a week ago, Iran said it had launched a communications satellite into space. Now, according to the IRNA news agency, three more followed. Western governments view the launches with concern.
Iran has launched three more communications satellites into orbit. According to the state news agency IRNA, the Simorgh launch vehicle successfully sent the satellites into space. It is the first time that Iran has put three satellites into orbit at the same time.
The three satellites were successfully placed into a low Earth orbit at an altitude of 450 kilometers, Iranian state television reported. According to IRNA, they are used to test “satellite subsystems”, telecommunications and space-based positioning technology.
Last week, Iran said it had placed the “Soraja” communications satellite into orbit at an altitude of 750 kilometers. Iran’s stated intention is to use satellites to obtain data on weather, natural disasters and agriculture.
However, according to the US, the Iranian satellite launches violate a UN Security Council resolution. They called on the government in Tehran to refrain from activities related to ballistic missiles that could carry nuclear weapons. A U.S. intelligence report on the global threat landscape for 2023 said the development of satellite launch vehicles shortens the time period in which Iran can develop an intercontinental ballistic missile because it uses similar technology.
Iran emphasized that its space activities were exclusively for peaceful purposes and were within the framework of a corresponding UN Security Council resolution.