Iran launched three research satellites into space today with its indigenously developed 'Simurg' rocket. The three satellites, named 'Mehda', 'Keyhan-2' and 'Hatef-1', were launched simultaneously for the first time with the indigenous rocket from the Imam Khomeini Satellite Center in Simnan province.
The satellites, launched into space with a domestic rocket, have successfully completed the stage of placing into orbit at a distance of 450 kilometers from the earth, state media quoted the Defense Ministry as saying.
The two nano-satellites, named "Keyhan-2" and "Hatef-1", each weighing less than 10 kilograms, aim to test narrowband communications and geolocation technology, Reuters reported.
The relatively larger satellite built by the Iranian Space Agency, called Mehda, weighing 32 kilograms, is intended to test the accuracy of the Simorgh rocket in delivering multiple cargoes into space.
Iran last successfully launched a new satellite named "Süreyya" into space on January 20 with the Kaim-100 rocket.
Iran, which sent its first domestically produced satellite into space in February 2009, launched its first military satellite, called Nur-1, into space in April 2020.
In 2023, Iran announced that its third military reconnaissance satellite "Nur-3" was placed into orbit.
The successful launch of Iran's new satellite named "Süreyya" on January 20 with the Kaim-100 rocket caused the reaction of the United States and other Western countries.
