In a significant step forward in their scientific collaboration, Russia is set to launch two Iranian satellites into orbit using a Soyuz rocket on Tuesday, November 5. This development highlights the strengthening ties between the two nations, both of which are currently facing US sanctions.
Iran’s Ambassador to Moscow, Kazem Jalali, announced the upcoming launch via a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the satellites, named Kowsar and Hodhod, will be placed into a 500-kilometer orbit around Earth. Jalali emphasised that this mission is part of the ongoing efforts to enhance Iran-Russia scientific and technological cooperation.
“In continuation of the development of Iran-Russia scientific and technological cooperation, two Iranian satellites, Kowsar and Hodhod, will be launched to a 500 km orbit of earth on Tuesday, Nov. 5, by a Soyuz launch vehicle,” Jalali said.
The Kowsar satellite is designed for high-resolution imaging, while Hodhod is a smaller communications satellite. Their development marks a significant milestone for Iran’s burgeoning private space sector, which aims to expand the country’s capabilities in space technology. This initiative reflects Iran’s increasing focus on developing its space industry amid international restrictions.
This launch follows a previous collaboration between Iran and Russia, where the latter successfully deployed the Pars 1 research-sensing satellite in February from the Vostochny Cosmodrome using a Soyuz rocket. The growing partnership in space exploration underscores the mutual interests of both nations in advancing their technological expertise despite external pressures.
As the launch date approaches, attention will be on the implications of this cooperation for both countries, particularly in the context of their shared challenges on the global stage.
Melissa Enoch
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