TEHRAN – Iranian Space Agency (ISA) Director General Hassan Salariyeh announced that Iran plans to simultaneously launch three domestically produced satellites by the end of this year (March 2026).
The move is seen as an important step in the country’s expanding space program and highlights the country’s growing capabilities in launch technology.
Salarieh stressed in an interview on Tuesday that the satellites are designed for scientific, communications and earth observation purposes and will be placed into orbit by Iran’s new generation of multi-payload launch vehicles. “This simultaneous launch proves our ability to reliably deploy multiple satellites at the same time and is a major milestone for Iran’s space industry,” he said at a press conference on Tuesday.
According to the ISA chief, all three satellites have completed final assembly and pre-launch testing. The operation will utilize Iranian domestic launch vehicles modified to carry heavier payloads to higher orbits. This development reflects Tehran’s long-term strategy to achieve greater independence in space technology while expanding its scientific and commercial applications.
The announcement comes amid increased regional and international attention to Iran’s space capabilities. Analysts say the country’s space program has the potential to boost national security and technological innovation.
ISA says each of the three satellites has a different role. One is for high-resolution Earth observation, another is for scientific experiments in microgravity, and the third is for communications and data relay. The simultaneous launch approach not only improves efficiency, but also allows countries to test the interoperability of new launch systems under real-world conditions.
Salarieh also emphasized Iran’s commitment to the peaceful use of outer space, noting that all satellites are intended for civilian and scientific uses. “Our mission is to advance knowledge, technology and innovation in space for the benefit of the Iranian people,” he said.
He also announced that the Chabahar National Cosmodrome is preparing for its first test launch in the coming months, adding that due to its low latitude, the Chabahar base is considered the best location in the country to access major orbits, including equatorial orbits.
The launch is part of a broader effort to expand Iran’s satellite fleet and strengthen its space infrastructure, including the development of additional ground stations, satellite manufacturing facilities, and launch vehicle production lines. Officials say these efforts will provide Iran with sustained access to space and support the nation’s scientific, educational and industrial goals.