Russian Rocket Successfully Launches Iranian Satellite Into Orbit

• Successful launch from Vostochny facility in Russia's far east

• Iranian satellite equipped with three cameras for monitoring

• Intended to orbit around North and South Poles

In this photo released by Roscosmos space corporation on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, the Soyuz-2.1b rocket blasts off at the Vostochny cosmodrome outside the city of Tsiolkovsky, about 200 kilometers (12

AP

A Russian Soyuz rocket successfully launched from the Vostochny launch facility in Russia's far east, carrying an Iranian satellite and 18 Russian satellites into orbit. This launch highlights the growing cooperation between Moscow and Tehran in the field of space exploration. The Iranian satellite, weighing 110 kilograms (242 pounds), is equipped with three cameras designed to capture images for various purposes, including environmental and agricultural monitoring.

According to Iranian state TV, the satellite is intended to orbit around the North and South Poles, maintaining a fixed position relative to the Sun. Following a calibration of its systems, the satellite is expected to be fully operational. This successful mission follows Russia's previous launch of the Iranian Khayyam satellite in 2022, further solidifying the partnership between the two countries in space endeavors.

Iran's Communication Minister reported that the country's space program has conducted a total of 23 launches, with 12 of them taking place during President Ebrahim Raisi's administration. This latest achievement underscores Iran's commitment to advancing its capabilities in space technology and exploration.