Iran has announced the successful launch of a new satellite into orbit at an altitude of 550 km using the Qaim-100 rocket developed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. This is the second satellite launch this year, raising concerns in the West.
Officials say the satellite is intended for research purposes, but experts and analysts have expressed concern that such launches could help Iran develop more advanced long-range ballistic missiles.
Today’s launch of the Sherman-1 satellite was carried out using the Kaim-100 rocket, which is a three-stage solid-fuel launcher. Unlike liquid-fueled missiles, these missiles require less preparation time, which provides a military advantage due to the ability to be launched quickly. The satellite was put into orbit using a launch facility located in a desert area near the city of Shahrod, about 350 kilometers east of Tehran.
According to Iranian sources, the satellite was created by a company owned by the Iranian Ministry of Defense and the Iranian Air and Space Research Institute. Its main purpose is to test orbital maneuvering technologies. General Hossein Salami, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said the launch was a significant achievement despite international sanctions.
If the launch information is correct, this will be the second successful satellite launch using a Qaim-100 rocket. In early January, this model launched the Surayya satellite into orbit, reaching an altitude of 750 km, which at the time was a record altitude for Iranian satellites. The West is concerned about Iran’s advances, especially in light of its growing cooperation with Russia and recent ballistic missile shipments.
The United States and the international community have expressed concern that Iran’s space launches could contribute to the development of intercontinental ballistic missiles that could potentially carry nuclear warheads.
This year, US intelligence also warned of the possibility that the rocket could accelerate Iran’s development of long-range missiles, raising the risk of nuclear weapons in the region.
Earlier, Kursor reported that Iran launched the Chamran-1 research satellite into orbit.
Iran launched a research satellite into orbit, its second in 2024.
