On Saturday, Iran proudly announced the successful launch of its Sorayya satellite into an orbit reaching a remarkable 750 kilometers above the Earth’s surface. This achievement comes amidst heightened tensions with the West, particularly concerning Iran’s ballistic missile program.
The aerospace unit of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) disclosed in a statement that the Sorayya satellite was launched using an indigenous Qaem 100 satellite carrier. This carrier, equipped to handle payloads of up to 100 kg, effectively placed the 50 kg Sorayya satellite into its designated orbit.
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The launch event garnered high-profile attendance, including IRGC commander Maj. Gen. Hossein Salami and Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the chief of IRGC’s aerospace division. According to Iran’s state media, this launch marked a “new record” in the country’s space program, surpassing previous achievements by placing the satellite in the 750-km orbit.
While Iran’s space endeavors, particularly those by the IRGC, have drawn concern from the West, the Iranian government asserts that these satellite launches serve peaceful purposes, specifically in research and agricultural activities. The U.S. has previously criticized Iran’s satellite launches, linking them to the ballistic missile program and alleging violations of Security Council resolutions.
The Sorayya launch follows Iran’s firing of ballistic missiles at Syria, Iraq, and Pakistan in recent days. Iran claimed this action was in retaliation for attacks inside its borders and the killing of IRGC commanders in Syria. The satellite launch adds another dimension to the geopolitical landscape, emphasizing Iran’s advancements in space technology amid ongoing international scrutiny.
