Iran successfully launches a research satellite into orbit.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard launched a domestically built satellite carrier rocket ‘Qaem-100’ to place a research satellite ‘Chamran-1’ into orbit.
Weighing 60 kg, the satellite reached a height of 550 km as confirmed by signals received at ground stations.
The rocket used solid fuel technology developed indigenously by Iran’s Guards aerospace division for its maiden flight. Iran had previously launched three other satellites in January as part of its space program.
The successful launch comes under new President Masoud Pezezhkian after the demise of his predecessor in a helicopter crash.
While Iran maintains its space ambition is peaceful, Western nations view it as a means to develop long-range missiles.
The US has warned Tehran against such activities, pointing to a previous UN resolution. However, related sanctions expired last year.
The launch coincides with escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, raising regional tension fears.
