Iran launches 3 satellites simultaneously into orbit amid tensions with West

By Syed Zafar Mehdi

TEHRAN (AA) - Iran says it has successfully launched three indigenous satellites into orbit using the Simorgh carrier rocket, marking the first time the country has simultaneously sent three satellites into space.

The satellites launched early on Sunday include Mahda, weighing 32 kg, and two nano-satellites, Keyhan 2 and Hatef 1, of less than 10 kg, sent to a minimum orbit of 450 kilometers (279 miles) and a maximum of 1,100 km (683.5 mi), state media reported, citing the public relations wing of the Defense Ministry.

The Simorgh satellite carrier that carried the three satellites to space has been developed by Iran’s Defense Ministry, the ministry statement noted.

Mahda satellite has been described as a research satellite whose design, construction, assembly and testing stages were carried out at Iran’s Space Research Institute.

It aims to test the accuracy of the Simorgh carrier in delivering multiple cargoes in low earth orbit and to evaluate the performance of new designs and the reliability of indigenous space technologies.

Keyhan 2 and Hatef 1 nano-satellites have been developed by Iran Electronics Industries, a state-owned subsidiary of the Defense Ministry, both meant to test the country’s space technology.

The first-of-its-kind launch came a day after Iran dismissed the criticism of the European troika on the launch of another satellite last week, saying that scientific progress is “an inalienable and legitimate” right of the country.

- Europe's criticism

In a statement on Saturday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani decried what he termed an “interventionist” stance of the UK, France and Germany that criticized the launch of the Sorayya satellite.

In a joint statement on Friday, the three European countries condemned Iran’s launch of the Sorayya satellite, saying it used the Space Launch Vehicle 9SLV technology that is “essential for the development of long-range ballistic missiles.”

“We have longstanding concerns over Iran’s activity related to ballistic missile technologies that are capable of delivering nuclear weapons. These concerns are reinforced by Iran’s continued nuclear escalation beyond all credible civilian justification,” read the statement.

“We remain committed to taking every diplomatic step to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and to hold Iran to account for its destabilizing activity in the region and internationally.”

Last week, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) aerospace unit said it launched into the highest orbit the Sorayya satellite with an indigenous satellite carrier.

The satellite with a 50 kg payload was placed into an orbit 750 kilometers (460 miles) above the Earth's surface by a three-stage Qaem 100 carrier, which is equipped to carry up to 100 kg, Communications and Information Technology Minister Isa Zarepour said at the time.

Iran’s satellite launches have often been criticized by the US, linking them with the country’s ballistic missile program, claiming that it violates the UN Security Council resolution.

Tehran has rejected such claims, saying its satellite launches are intended to help in scientific research and agricultural activities.