An Iranian satellite launch in 2022
"Three Iranian satellites have been put into orbit for the first time," Iran's state television announced on January 28, adding that the satellites were launched using a two-stage Simorgh (Phoenix) rocket.
The satellite's minimum orbit is 450 km above the Earth. One of the satellites launched is called Mahda, weighing about 32 kg and developed by the Iranian Space Agency. Mahda is designed to test modern satellite sub-launch systems.
The remaining two satellites, named Kayhan 2 and Hatef respectively, weigh less than 10 kg and are intended to test space-based positioning technology as well as narrow-band telecommunications, IRNA added.
According to AFP, nearly a week ago, Iran launched the IRGC's Soraya research satellite into space. However, the UK, France and Germany condemned the launch because the West has long believed that similar technology could be used for ballistic missiles, including missiles designed to carry nuclear warheads.
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Tehran has denied the allegations, saying it does not seek nuclear weapons and that its satellites and rockets are developed for civilian or defensive purposes.
Before successfully putting a satellite into orbit, Iran also experienced several failed launches. And it was not until April 2020 that the country successfully launched its first military satellite, Nour-1.
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