The Iranian space agency announced plans to run the first test launch of the satellite from the “martist Soleimani” narrowband constellations by the end of the year, marking the first steps in the 20-section project to be completed by 2026.
Hassan Salary, head of the Iranian Space Agency, said the martian Soleimani project is the country’s first narrowband satellite constellations designed to expand Internet of Things (IoT) services entirely using indigenous expertise.
He explained that nearly 20 satellites will be built and deployed in orbits with a variety of trends, providing narrowband communications across the country.
“The constellations’ design phase began in late 2023 and most subsystems are currently under construction,” Salary said, adding that the project is being carried out by a consortium of private companies and state agencies.
He said the prototype satellite test launch is set to carry out the first test of the year. The satellite’s main batch will be developed in 2025, and is scheduled for a full-scale launch, scheduled to begin in the second half of 2025 and begin until 2026.
Salarieh noted that delays are possible due to the technical challenges of space projects, which are described as “natural in this industry.” Still, he emphasized that the overall progress was satisfying, and that Iran’s first domestically developed satellite constellations will soon get back on track and lay the foundation for the country’s wider communications network.
MNA/TSN