A Russian Soyuz-2.1 rocket has successfully launched Iranian-made satellites, Kowsar and Hodhod, into orbit, marking a strengthening of ties between Moscow and Tehran.
The Soyuz-2.1 spacecraft lifted off as planned from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia’s Far East and delivered its payload to the designated orbit nine minutes post-launch on Tuesday, according to Roscosmos. The payload included two Russian Ionosfera-M satellites for space weather monitoring and 53 smaller satellites, two of which came from Iran.
The Iranian satellites, Kowsar – a high-resolution imaging satellite – and Hodhod – a small communications satellite – were among the 53 deployed. Also on board was the Druzhba ATURK, a Russian-Chinese student satellite.
These are the first Iranian satellites launched for the private sector. Kowsar was built by Omidfaza, which began work in 2019, as reported by IRNA. The satellite has a planned life of three years, while Hodhod is expected to function for four.
Back in 2022, Russia had launched Iran’s Khayyam satellite, constructed in Russia at Iran’s request. In February, another Iranian satellite, Pars-1, which is used for topographical scans, was also sent into space by Russia.
This latest launch reflects deepening Iran-Russia cooperation, even as both face criticism for military ties. Tehran is accused by the West and Ukraine of supplying drones used in Russia’s strikes on Ukraine.
The two countries are working on a broader “comprehensive strategic partnership” deal, to be signed during Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s future trip to Russia, with the date yet to be set.
Iran’s civilian space program has faced repeated failures, including five unsuccessful Simorgh rocket launches. However, a military program led by the Revolutionary Guard has had successful satellite launches from a base near Shahroud, east of Tehran.
Reports based on satellite images by the Associated Press suggest Israel targeted the Shahroud site during its October 26 strike on Iran. Iran claimed the damage from the attack was minimal.
