View source for Organization:Iranian Space Agency

{{short description|Iran's governmental space agency}}
{{Infobox space agency
| name          = Iranian Space Agency<br />(ISA)
| acronym       = ISA
| image         =
| size          = 250px
| caption       = Official logo of ISA

| spaceport     = Imam Khomeini Spaceport
| established   = {{Start date and years ago|df=yes|mf=no|2004|2|1}}
| owner         = Ministry of Information and Communications Technology of Iran
| headquarters  = [[Place:Tehran|Tehran]], Mahdasht, Shahrud, [[Place:Qom|Qom]]
| budget        = $4.6 million (FY 2017)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://financialtribune.com/articles/sci-tech/55397/cuts-and-extensions-in-irans-ict-201718-budget|title=Cuts and Extensions in Iran's ICT 2017/18 Budget|date=14 December 2016|work=Financial Tribune|access-date=11 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220150555/https://financialtribune.com/articles/sci-tech/55397/cuts-and-extensions-in-irans-ict-201718-budget|archive-date=20 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
| administrator = Hassan Salarieh
| spokesman = Hossein Dalirian
| URL           = {{URL|www.isa.ir}}
}}

The '''Iranian Space Agency''' ('''ISA''', [[Social:Persian language|Persian]]: {{lang|fa|سازمان فضایی ایران}} ''Sāzmān-e Fazāi-ye Irān'') is [[Religion:Iran|Iran]]'s governmental space agency. The [[Organization:Iranian Space Research Center|Iranian Space Research Center]] and Iranian Space Agency are the main organizations carrying space research and operations in Iran . 
Iran became an [[Engineering:Timeline of first orbital launches by country|orbital-launch-capable nation]] in 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/04/world/middleeast/04iran.html|title=Iran Launches Satellite in a Challenge for Obama|work=New York Times |date=3 February 2009|access-date=30 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125005806/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/04/world/middleeast/04iran.html |archive-date=25 November 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Iran is one of the 24 founding members of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), which was set up on 13 December 1958.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}}

== History ==
ISA was established on 28 February 2004, according to the Article 9 of the Law for Tasks and Authorizations of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology passed on 10 December 2003 by the Parliament of Iran. Based on the approved statute, ISA is mandated to cover and support all the activities in Iran concerning the peaceful applications of space science and technology under the leadership of a Supreme Council of Space chaired by the President of Iran.

The council's main goals included policy making for the application of space technologies aiming peaceful uses of outer space, manufacturing, launching and use of the national research satellites, approving the space related state and private sector programs, promoting the partnership of the private and cooperative sectors in efficient uses of space, identifying guidelines concerning the regional and international cooperation in space issues.

To follow and implement the strategies set by the council, ISA affiliated with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology in the form of an autonomous organization, was organized. The president of ISA held the position of the Vice-Minister of Communications and Information Technology and the secretariat of Supreme Council of Space at the same time.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://parviztarikhi.wordpress.com/features-2/more-significant-role-for-iran%e2%80%99s-space-administration|title=More significant role for Iran's space administration|publisher=Parviz Tarikhi|date=11 November 2010|access-date=17 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718103724/http://parviztarikhi.wordpress.com/features-2/more-significant-role-for-iran%e2%80%99s-space-administration/ |archive-date=18 July 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2015, Iran's space program was quietly suspended by President Rouhani following international pressures.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://warisboring.com/iran-just-cancelled-its-space-program-5b1d5ce50bd6|title=Iran Just Cancelled Its Space Program|access-date=24 September 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160925012918/https://warisboring.com/iran-just-cancelled-its-space-program-5b1d5ce50bd6 |archive-date=25 September 2016}}</ref> It has then been reinvigorated by President Raisi in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-11-26 |title=Gov't fully supports development of space industry: Raisi |url=http://iranpress.com/content/50568/govt-fully-supports-development-space-industry-raisi |access-date=2022-03-27 |website=iranpress.com |language=en}}</ref>

== Budget ==

The proposed budget for the Iranian year 1393 (2014–2015) was 1,865,583 million rials (US$71,753,192). Other related organizations have received separate budget allocations. [[Organization:Iranian Space Research Center|Iranian Space Research Center]] has received an additional 1,751,000 million rials (US$67,346,100) of budget for the year 1393.<ref>{{cite book|title=Budget Bill of 1393 (لايحه بودجه سال 1393 كل كشور)|publisher=Secretariat of Planning and Supervision, Office of President|date=December 2013}}</ref>

The budget for the year 2008 was mentioned to be US$3.9 billion (2008).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aftab.ir/news/view/2008/feb/20/c2c1203499802_economy_marketing_business_information_technology_mobile.php |title=اختصاص ۳ هزار و ۹۶۰ میلیارد تومان برای سازمان فضایی ایران|agency=Aftab News Agency|date=February 2008|access-date=17 January 2011}}</ref> However it was not apparent whether the allocation was just for one year or a longer period.

Under president Hassan Rouhani, the proposed 2017-budget for the Iranian Space Agency fell to a low of US$4.6 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://financialtribune.com/articles/sci-tech/55397/cuts-and-extensions-in-irans-ict-201718-budget|title=Cuts and Extensions in Iran's ICT 2017/18 Budget|date=13 December 2016|access-date=14 December 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220150555/https://financialtribune.com/articles/sci-tech/55397/cuts-and-extensions-in-irans-ict-201718-budget|archive-date=20 December 2016}}</ref>

== Satellite launch vehicle (SLV) ==
[[File:Noor_satellite.jpg|thumb|Noor satellite launch]]

=== Safir SLV ===
{{Main|Engineering:Safir (rocket)}}

Iran has developed an expendable satellite launch vehicle named [[Engineering:Safir (rocket)|Safir SLV]]. Measuring 22 m in height with a core diameter of 1.25 m, with two liquid propellant stages, a single thrust chambered first stage and a two-thrust chambered, step-throttled second stage, the SLV has a lift off mass exceeding 26 tons. The first stage consists of a lengthened up-rated Shahab-3C. According to the technical documentation presented in the annual meeting of the [[Organization:United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs|United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs]], it is a two-stage rocket with all liquid propellant engines. The first stage is capable of carrying the payload to the maximum altitude of 68 kilometers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oosa.unvienna.org/pdf/pres/stsc2009/tech-15.pdf|title=Our website is currently undergoing scheduled maintenance|access-date=15 March 2009|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905233838/http://www.oosa.unvienna.org/pdf/pres/stsc2009/tech-15.pdf|archive-date=5 September 2015}}</ref>

The Safir-1B is the second generation of Safir SLV and can carry a satellite weighing 60&nbsp;kg into an [[Astronomy:Elliptic orbit|elliptical orbit]] of 300 to 450&nbsp;km. The thrust of the Safir-1B rocket engine has been increased from 32 to 37 tons.

=== Simorgh SLV ===
{{Main|Engineering:Simorgh (rocket)}}

In 2010, a more powerful rocket named [[Engineering:Simorgh (rocket)|Simorgh]] was built. Its mission is to carry heavier satellites into orbit.<ref name="payvand1">{{cite web |url=http://www.payvand.com/news/10/feb/1025.html|title=Iran unveils three new home-made satellites|publisher=Payvand.com|date=22 November 2006|access-date=6 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100206215559/http://www.payvand.com/news/10/feb/1025.html|archive-date=6 February 2010|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://tehrantimes.com/index_View.asp?code=213671|title=Iran launches spacecraft carrying animals / Space program breakthroughs signal the dawn of a new era of national development: Ahmadinejad|work=Tehran Times|access-date=6 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100212225529/http://www.tehrantimes.com/index_View.asp?code=213671|archive-date=12 February 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Simorgh rocket is {{convert|27|m|ft|abbr=off|sp=us}} long, and has a mass of 77 tonnes (85 tons).[4] Its first stage is powered by four main engines, each generating up to {{convert|29,000|kg|lb|abbr=off}} of thrust, plus a fifth which will be used for [[Astronomy:Spacecraft attitude control|attitude control]], which provides an additional {{convert|13,600|kg|lb|abbr=off}}. At liftoff, these engines will generate a total of {{convert|130,000|kg|lb|abbr=off}} of thrust. Simorgh is capable of putting a 350-kilogram (770&nbsp;lb) payload into a {{convert|500|km|mi|abbr=off|sp=us|adj=on}} low Earth orbit. In 2015, Israeli media reported the missile is capable of taking a crewed spacecraft or satellite into space.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-tv-shows-iranian-missile-that-can-reach-far-beyond-europe/|title=Israeli TV shows 'Iranian missile' that 'can reach far beyond Europe'|website=The Times of Israel|access-date=29 January 2015|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225030054/http://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-tv-shows-iranian-missile-that-can-reach-far-beyond-europe//|archive-date=25 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jerusalemonline.com/news/world-news/around-the-globe/is-iran-on-its-way-to-sending-a-man-to-outer-space-9360|title=Israel News - is Iran on Its Way to Sending a Man to Outer Space? - JerusalemOnline|access-date=29 January 2015|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701192725/http://www.jerusalemonline.com/news/world-news/around-the-globe/is-iran-on-its-way-to-sending-a-man-to-outer-space-9360|archive-date=1 July 2015}}</ref> The first flight of the Simorgh rocket occurred on 19 April 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://defense-update.com/20160424_simorgh.html|title=Simorgh First Launch – an Iranian Success or Failure? {{!}} Defense Update|last=Eshel|first=Tamir|website=defense-update.com|date=24 April 2016|access-date=29 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161127192324/http://defense-update.com/20160424_simorgh.html|archive-date=27 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Zuljanah SLV===
On February 1, 2021, Iran said it successfully tested its latest satellite launch vehicle named "Zuljanah" which is capable of carrying satellites weighing up to 220&nbsp;kg into a 500&nbsp;km orbit. The SLV has three stages and is equipped with 2 solid fuel engine stages and a last liquid fuel stage, with the first and second stages having 75 tons of thrust each.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/169372/Iran-launches-satellite-carrier-with-solid-fuel-engine|title=Iran launches satellite carrier with solid fuel engine|date=February 2021}}</ref>

=== Qoqnoos SLV ===
On 2 February 2013, the head of the Iranian Space Agency, Hamid Fazeli mentioned that the new satellite launch vehicle, Qoqnoos will be used after the Simorgh SLV for heavier payloads.<ref name="mehrnews1">{{cite web|url=http://www.mehrnews.com/fa/NewsDetail.aspx?NewsID=1805674|title=Details and revealing of Nahid Satellite, Launch of Nahid with Safir B-1 (Persian)|publisher=mehrnews.com|date=2 February 2013 |access-date=3 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130205042658/http://www.mehrnews.com/fa/newsdetail.aspx?NewsID=1805674|archive-date=5 February 2013|url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="mehrnews2">{{cite web|url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/53897/Ahmadinejad-to-unveil-Nahid-Satellite-soon|title=Ahmadinejad to unveil Nahid Satellite soon (English)|publisher=mehrnews.com|date=2 February 2013|access-date=17 November 2022}}</ref>

===Soroush 1 & 2 SLV===

ISA has plans to build SLVs (named "Soroush" 1 & 2) in the future with a capacity to place 8 tons and 15 tons payloads in space (i.e. 200&nbsp;km orbit) respectively.{{citation needed|date=August 2021}}

== Launch history ==

=== Orbital launches ===
[[File:Zafar_Satellite.jpg|thumb|The Simorgh SLV in its servicing tower.]]

On 17 August 2008, Iran proceeded with the second test launch of a two-stage [[Engineering:Safir (rocket)|Safir]] SLV from a site south of [[Place:Semnan, Iran|Semnan city]] in the northern part of the Dasht-e-Kavir desert. Reza Taghizadeh, head of the Iranian Aerospace Organization, told state television "The Safir (Ambassador) satellite carrier was launched today and, for the first time, we successfully launched a dummy satellite into orbit".

On 2 February 2009, Iranian state television reported that Iran's first domestically made satellite Omid ({{lang-fa|امید}}, meaning "Hope") had been successfully launched into [[Astronomy:Low Earth orbit|Low Earth orbit]] by Iran's [[Engineering:Safir (rocket)|Safir]] rocket and therefore Iran became [[Engineering:Timeline of first orbital launches by country|the 9th country to put a domestically built satellite into orbit]].<ref name="Reuters">{{cite news |author=Fredrik Dahl and Edmund Blair |date=3 February 2009 |title=Iran launches first home-made satellite: state TV |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE5120NN20090203 |url-status=live |access-date=3 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204204419/http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE5120NN20090203 |archive-date=4 February 2009}}</ref> The operation was made to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Iranian Revolution.

In February 2011, Iranian president [[Biography:Mahmoud Ahmadinejad|Mahmoud Ahmadinejad]] announced that there will be many launches of indigenously produced orbiters in 2011–2012 period.<ref>{{cite web |title=Iran Plans Multiple Satellite Launches &#124; NTI |url=http://gsn.nti.org/gsn/nw_20110207_8612.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007102011/http://gsn.nti.org/gsn/nw_20110207_8612.php |archive-date=7 October 2011 |access-date=6 February 2012 |publisher=Gsn.nti.org}}</ref>

Iran plans to send one-ton satellites into an orbit of 1000&nbsp;km and is setting up a new launch base for this purpose. Iran is also planning to launch satellites into orbits up to [[Astronomy:Geosynchronous orbit|36,000 km]] by 2027.<ref>{{cite web |title=Iran to Send Heavy Satellites into Orbit |url=http://www.payvand.com/news/12/feb/1110.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225065920/http://www.payvand.com/news/12/feb/1110.html |archive-date=25 February 2014 |access-date=11 February 2012}}</ref>

=== Sub-orbital launches ===

On 25 February 2007, the Iranian state-run television announced that a rocket, created by the ministries of science and defense and which carried an unspecified cargo, was successfully launched. This could have been the maiden test flight of the three staged [[Engineering:Safir (rocket)|Safir SLV]] which ended in a failure. Later on it was noted by Iranian President [[Biography:Mahmoud Ahmadinejad|Mahmoud Ahmadinejad]] that the failure was due to a technical problem in the last stage of the rocket.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDKanxOGXWk&NR=1|title=President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad – Campaign Documentary (2/4)|via=YouTube|date=31 May 2009 |access-date=6 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140623004824/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDKanxOGXWk&NR=1|archive-date=23 June 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 4 February 2008, Iran successfully launched a two-stage all solid-fuel sub-orbital sounding rocket Kavoshgar-1 (Explorer-1), for a maiden sub-orbital test flight from Shahroud, its newly inaugurated domestic space launch complex.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7225699.stm|title=Iranians inaugurate space project|publisher=BBC|date=4 February 2008|access-date=4 February 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080209143738/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7225699.stm|archive-date=9 February 2008|url-status=live}}</ref>
The first stage of the rocket detached after 90 seconds and returned to Earth with the help of a parachute while the second stage reached a 200&nbsp;km altitude before reentering the Earth's atmosphere after 300 seconds. The third section of the rocket, containing an atmospheric probe, climbed to 250&nbsp;km while successfully transmitting scientific data on the atmosphere and the electromagnetic waves on its path back to Earth. It deployed a parachute after six minutes at a lower altitude.

The second Kavoshgar (Kavoshgar-2), which carried a space-lab and a restoration system, was launched in November 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.farsnews.net/newstext.php?nn=8709061266|title=Fars News Agency : ايران موشك كاوشگر 2 را با موفقيت به فضا پرتاب كرد|publisher=Farsnews.net|access-date=6 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723130155/http://www.farsnews.net/newstext.php?nn=8709061266 |archive-date=23 July 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2020, Iran launched a sub-orbital satellite on Simorgh, and in 2021 and 2022, it launched a satellite on Zul-Janah, both of which were successful.

==== Animals in space ====

Iran the 6th country to send animals in space.
* On 3 February 2010, ISA launched a Kavoshgar-3 (Explorer-3) rocket with one rodent, two turtles, and several worms into sub-orbital space and returned them to Earth alive. The rocket was enabled to transfer electronic data and live footage back to Earth. The Iranian Aerospace Organization (IAO) showed live video transmission of mini-environmental lab to enable further studies on the biological capsule.<ref name="Iran Fires Satellite Carrier into Space">{{cite news|url=http://www.payvand.com/news/10/feb/1026.html|title=Iran Fires Satellite Carrier into Space|date=2 February 2010|publisher=payvand.com |access-date=5 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100208185122/http://www.payvand.com/news/10/feb/1026.html|archive-date=8 February 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> This was the first biological payload launched by Iran.<ref name=mcuk20100204>{{cite web|url=http://www.metro.co.uk/news/world/811677-animals-are-fired-into-space-in-iranian-rocket |title=Animals are fired into space in Iranian rocket|work=Metro|location=UK|date=4 February 2010|access-date=5 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100413085349/http://www.metro.co.uk/news/world/811677-animals-are-fired-into-space-in-iranian-rocket|archive-date=13 April 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> Iran is the sixth country to send animals in space.
* On 15 March 2011, the ISA launched the Kavoshgar-4 (Explorer-4) rocket carrying a test capsule designed to carry a monkey but without living creatures on board.
* Kavoshgar-5 (Explorer-5) carrying a live monkey was launched for a 20-minute sub-orbital flight in September 2011, however the mission failed. On 3 October 2011, Iran indefinitely postponed further plans while scientists reviewed readiness for future missions.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/272624/irans-monkey-does-not-make-it-to-space/|title=Iran's monkey does not make it to space |agency=Agence France-Presse|newspaper=The Express Tribune|date=12 October 2011|access-date=20 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305042806/http://tribune.com.pk/story/272624/irans-monkey-does-not-make-it-to-space/|archive-date=5 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2012, Iran announced that it would send more living creatures into the space by the summer.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://english.farsnews.ir/newstext.php?nn%3D9102110289|title=Archived copy|access-date=4 May 2012|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503105702/http://english.farsnews.ir/newstext.php?nn=9102110289|archive-date=3 May 2012}}{{Dead link|date=October 2023|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> Following the last failed attempt, ISA was seeking to successfully send a monkey into space by 2013.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/science/2013/01/16/iran-launching-monkey-into-space/ Iran launching monkey into space] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702023236/http://www.foxnews.com/science/2013/01/16/iran-launching-monkey-into-space/|date=2 July 2015}}</ref> ISA head Hamid Fazeli told the Iranian news agency Mehr that the designated monkeys are currently in quarantine.<ref>[http://www.timesofisrael.com/iran-to-launch-a-monkey-into-space/ Times of Israel. Iran to Launch a Monkey into Space] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304060710/http://www.timesofisrael.com/iran-to-launch-a-monkey-into-space/|date=4 March 2016}}</ref>
* On 29 January 2013, Iranian state media announced that a monkey was sent into space and returned safely aboard the [[Engineering:Pishgam|Pishgam]] capsule, after having reached a height of 120&nbsp;km.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dareini |first=Ali|title=Iran Says It Sent Monkey into Space and Back|website=ABC News|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/iran-monkey-successfully-space-18333221|agency=Associated Press|access-date=28 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130131005807/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/iran-monkey-successfully-space-18333221|archive-date=31 January 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> This was the first time that Iran has sent a [[Biology:Primate|primate]] into space, 54 years after the first monkeys Able and Baker returned safely. No details on the timing or location of the launch were given.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.3news.co.nz/Iran-sends-monkey-into-space/tabid/1216/articleID/284734/Default.aspx|work=3 News NZ|title=Iran sends monkey into space|date=29 January 2013|access-date=29 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130213094454/http://www.3news.co.nz/Iran-sends-monkey-into-space/tabid/1216/articleID/284734/Default.aspx|archive-date=13 February 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* On 14 December 2013, Iran launched a second monkey, named Fargam, on a suborbital flight.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irna.ir/en/News/80950169/Art_&_Culture/Second_monkey_sent_into_space|title=Second monkey sent into space|date=14 December 2013 |access-date=11 August 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304103726/http://www.irna.ir/en/News/80950169/Art_%26_Culture/Second_monkey_sent_into_space|archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref> The monkey is reported to have been retrieved successfully and safe, after the short 15-minute flight.
* On 6 December 2023, Iran to put its newest bio-space capsule into orbit using an indigenous launcher today as it prepares for human missions in the coming years.The 500-kilogram (1,000-pound) capsule was launched 130 kilometers (80 miles) from Earth's surface.It was a test for space technologies in the areas of launch, recovery, and speed control systems, as well as impact shields, capsule aerodynamic design, and the systems related to control and monitoring of biological conditions.The capsule launcher, named Salman, is the first version of the launcher that is capable of launching biological capsules weighing half a ton.<ref>{{Cite news |title= Iran successfully launches new bio-space capsule|date=6 December 2023 |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/492235/Iran-successfully-launches-new-bio-space-capsule}}</ref>

== Satellites ==
[[Religion:Iran|Iran]] is the [[Engineering:Timeline of first orbital launches by country#List of first orbital launches by country|9th country to put a domestically built satellite into orbit using its own launcher]].

=== Launched satellites ===
[[File:Omid 0665.jpg|thumb|Omid, Iran's first satellite placed into orbit with own launcher.]]
* On 28 October 2005, a [[Engineering:Kosmos-3M|Kosmos-3M]] booster rocket launched [[Engineering:Sina-1|Sina-1]]. The joint Iranian Russian Sina-1 project cost US$15 million, and the launch made Iran the 43rd country to possess its own satellite.<ref>{{cite web|last=Alam|first=Ameer|url=http://www.pakalumni.com/profiles/blogs/1119293:BlogPost:64819|title=The Emerging Iranian Space Program – PakAlumni Worldwide: The Global Social Network |publisher=Pakalumni.com|date=12 April 2009|access-date=6 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316094708/http://www.pakalumni.com/profiles/blogs/1119293:BlogPost:64819|archive-date=16 March 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Engineering:Huanjing (satellite)|Environment 1]], a joint research satellite of [[Religion:Iran|Iran]], China and Thailand was launched on a Chinese [[Engineering:Long March 2C|Long March 2C]] carrier rocket on 6 September 2008, aimed at boosting cooperation on natural disasters such as flooding, [[Earth:Drought|drought]], [[Earth:Typhoon|typhoon]], [[Earth:Landslide|landslide]] and [[Earth:Earthquake|earthquake]]. The twin [[Astronomy:Earth observation satellite|Earth observation satellite]]s of eight planned were launched from Taiyuan SLC. The satellites will work as a constellation with six other satellites yet to be launched. Its observational footprint is 720&nbsp;km. With a lifespan of more than three years, they have state-of-the-art imaging systems and infrared cameras and provide a global scan every two days. Iran had shouldered US$6.5 million out of the $44 million of the total project cost.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://scitech.people.com.cn/GB/7836524.html|title="环境减灾"A、B卫星一箭双星发射成功|publisher=人民网|date=6 September 2008|access-date=6 September 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207043054/http://scitech.people.com.cn/GB/7836524.html|archive-date=7 February 2009|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="spacedaily.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.spacedaily.com/news/iran-05d.html|title=Iran, Russia Sign 'Zohreh' Satellite Deal|publisher=Spacedaily.com|access-date=6 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205104231/http://www.spacedaily.com/news/iran-05d.html|archive-date=5 February 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Omid, Iran's first satellite placed into orbit in February 2009 using a domestic launcher, the [[Engineering:Safir (rocket)|Safir]]. Omid was described as a data-processing satellite for research and telecommunications.<ref name=Reuters /><ref>{{cite web|title=Iran puts Omid data-processing satellite into orbit|publisher=IRNA|url=http://www5.irna.ir/En/View/FullStory/?NewsId=335409&IdLanguage=3|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090206161943/http://www5.irna.ir/En/View/FullStory/?NewsId=335409&IdLanguage=3|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 February 2009|date=3 February 2009|access-date=3 February 2009}}</ref>
* Rasad-1 is an imaging satellite that has been built and launched successfully by Iran. The satellite was sent into the 260 kilometres orbit by a Safir rocket launcher on 15 June 2011.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sayfa Bulunamadı|language=tr|url=http://www.islamidavet.com/english/2010/08/25/iran-to-launch-rasad-1-satellite-in-2011/|access-date=25 March 2011}} {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref name="globalsecurity.org">{{cite web|author=John Pike|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/space/world/iran/irans-second-satellite-launch.htm|title=Iran's Second Satellite Launch |publisher=Globalsecurity.org|access-date=6 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106232622/http://www.globalsecurity.org/space/world/iran/irans-second-satellite-launch.htm|archive-date=6 January 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Hello, Guest|url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/jun/15/iran-launches-homemade-satellite-into-orbit/|title=Iran launches homemade satellite into orbit &#124; UTSanDiego.com|publisher=Signonsandiego.com|date=15 June 2011|access-date=6 February 2012}}</ref> It beams back to earth pictures with 150-meter resolution. It [[Astronomy:Orbital decay|decayed from orbit]] three weeks after launch, on 6 July 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zarya.info/Diaries/2011.php|title=2011|work=Zarya Diaries|first=Robert|last=Christy|access-date=12 July 2011|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019065644/http://www.zarya.info/Diaries/2011.php|archive-date=19 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.planet4589.org/space/jsr/latest.html|title=planet4589|work=Jonathan's space Report|first=Jonathan|last=Mcdowell|access-date=16 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718073237/http://planet4589.org/space/jsr/latest.html|archive-date=18 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Navid-e Elm-o Sanat (also known as 'Ya Mahdi') which is an "experimental satellite" built by students for testing camera and telecommunications equipment was revealed to the public on 3 February 2010. It has store-dump capability and a resolution of 400 meters. On 3 February 2012, Iranian press reported that Iran has successfully launched its domestically built Navid-e Elm-o Sanat satellite into orbit.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}} The satellite remained in orbit for two months, before reentering the atmosphere on 1 April 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://reentrynews.aero.org/2012005A.html|title=Navis Satellite|work=Recent Reentries|publisher=Center for Orbital and Reentry Debris Studies|access-date=20 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120504010357/http://reentrynews.aero.org/2012005A.html|archive-date=4 May 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Fajr, is an imaging satellite which also carries an experimental locally made GPS system built by Iran Electronics Industries. The satellite had a life span of 1.5 years and an imaging resolution of 500 meters. It is the first Iranian satellite to use "cold gas thruster" and has solar panels. Originally, it was to be launched in 2012. As were alleged, non-announced by Iran one failed launches of Fajr satellites occurred on 23 May in 2012.<ref name="Fajr_failure?">{{cite journal|last=Hansen|first=Nick|title=Rocket science – Iran's rocket programme|journal=Jane's Intelligence Review |date=1 October 2012|volume=24|issue=10}}</ref> Finally, Fajr was successfully launched and placed into orbit on 2 February 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxbusiness.com/technology/2015/02/02/state-television-reports-iran-launches-satellite-called-fajr-into-space-amid/|title=State television reports Iran launches satellite called 'Fajr' into space amid rocket tests &#124; Fox Business |website=Fox Business |access-date=12 June 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927061418/http://www.foxbusiness.com/technology/2015/02/02/state-television-reports-iran-launches-satellite-called-fajr-into-space-amid/|archive-date=27 September 2015}}</ref> On 26 February 2015, Fajr [[Astronomy:Atmospheric entry|reentered]] Earth's atmosphere after 23.8 days in orbit.<ref name="Gunter">{{cite web|url=http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/fajr.htm|title=Fajr|first=Gunter|last=Krebs|work=Gunter's Space Page|access-date=27 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212013941/http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/fajr.htm|archive-date=12 February 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Dousti, satellite designed for Earth observation. Launched by a Safir rocket on 5 February 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/dousti.htm|title=Dousti 1 |access-date=8 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209180108/https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/dousti.htm|archive-date=9 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The launch failed.
* AUT-SAT, is a [[Engineering:Microsatellite (spaceflight)|microsatellite]] being developed by students of Amirkabir University of Technology. It is designed as a [[Earth:Remote sensing|remote sensing]] satellite with store-dump capability. It was launched on 15 January 2019 by a Simorgh rocket, but failed to reach orbit.<ref name="tebyan.net">{{cite web |title=رونمایی از 4 ماهواره بومی،‌ موتور ماهواره‌بر "سفیرB1 " و "كاوشگر4 " |url=http://www.tebyan.net/index.aspx?pid=17257&threadID=280555 |access-date=6 February 2012 |publisher=Tebyan.net}}</ref><ref name="ayenehnashriat.com">{{cite web |title=رونمایی از 4 ماهواره جدید ایرانی |url=http://www.ayenehnashriat.com/Pages/News-2661.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110904200632/http://www.ayenehnashriat.com/Pages/News-2661.html |archive-date=4 September 2011 |access-date=25 March 2011}}</ref> Amir Kabir satellite, weighing 80&nbsp;kg, will reportedly be placed in a Sun-synchronous orbit of 660&nbsp;km in radius, and will remain in space between three and five years.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}} The launcher is expected to be a Simorgh missile.<ref name="english.farsnews.ir"/>
* On 9 February 2020, Iran successfully launched the communication satellite, Zafar 1, through a [[Engineering:Simorgh (rocket)|Simorgh]] rocket from Imam Khomeini Space Center at 19:15 local time. However, spokesman for the defence ministry's space programme, Ahmad Hosseini, notified that the satellite didn't reach the required speed in its final moments for being put in the [[Physics:Orbit|orbit]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.spacewar.com/reports/Iran_satellite_launch_fails_in_blow_to_space_programme_999.html|title=Iran satellite launch fails, in blow to space program|access-date=9 February 2020|website=Space War}}</ref>
* On 22 April 2020, Iran successfully launched "[[Earth:Noor (satellite)|Noor]]" (Farsi for "Light"), a military satellite, into a 426 x 444&nbsp;km / 59.8° orbit.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.space.com/iran-launches-first-military-satellite.html|title=Iran launches its 1st military satellite into orbit: reports|access-date=22 April 2020|website=Space.com|date=22 April 2020}}</ref>
*On 31 December 2021, Iran launched a [[Engineering:Simorgh (rocket)|Simorgh]] rocket carrying "three research cargos into space".<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-12-31|title=Iran announces new space launch amid nuclear talks|url=http://jordantimes.com/news/region/iran-announces-new-space-launch-amid-nuclear-talks|access-date=2021-12-31|website=Jordan Times|language=en}}</ref> However, following the launch a defence ministry spokesman, Ahmad Hosseini, confirmed the mission had failed to put its three payloads into orbit after the rocket was unable to reach the required speed.<ref>{{Cite news|agency=Reuters|date=2021-12-31|title=Iran space launch fails to put payloads into orbit, official says|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/science/iran-space-launch-fails-put-payloads-into-orbit-official-says-2021-12-31/|access-date=2022-01-01}}</ref> France described the launch as "regrettable" as it was conducted amid renegotiations of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.<ref>{{Cite web|title=France Calls Iran's Space Launch 'Regrettable' Amid Nuclear Deal Talks|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/france-calls-iran-s-space-launch-regrettable-amid-nuclear-deal-talks/6377132.html|access-date=2021-12-31|website=VOA|date=31 December 2021 |language=en}}</ref>
* On 8 March 2022, Iran reportedly sent its second “Noor-2” military satellite into 500&nbsp;km orbit.<ref name="SWI swissinfo.ch 2022">{{cite web | title=Iran puts second military satellite into orbit - Tasnim | website=SWI swissinfo.ch | date=2022-03-08 | url=https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/reuters/iran-puts-second-military-satellite-into-orbit---tasnim/47411998 | access-date=2022-03-28}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/irans-revolutionary-guards-put-noor-2-satellite-orbit-tasnim-2022-03-08|title = Iran puts second military satellite into orbit - Tasnim|newspaper = Reuters|date = 8 March 2022}}</ref>
* The Khayyam, a high resolution imaging satellite, was successfully launched into orbit by a Russian Soyuz rocket on 9 August 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Motamedi |first=Maziar |title=Russia launches Iranian satellite into space from Kazakhstan base |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/8/9/russia-launches-iranian-satellite-into-space-from-kazakhstan-base |access-date=2022-09-27 |website=www.aljazeera.com |language=en}}</ref>
* Nahid-1 launched on board a Qaem 100 on 4 March 2023 as part of the rocket's maiden flight, however the launch failed and the satellite was destroyed together with the rocket.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Qaim-100 satellite carrier has failed. |url=https://twitter.com/projectmeshkat/status/1696221535332184088 |access-date=15 October 2023}}</ref>
* Noor-3, also called Najm is the third satellite of the Noor class, was launched on a Qassed launcher on 27 September 2023 to a 450 kilometer orbit. It has a weight of 24kg with a resolution of 6 to 4.8 meters.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Baha |first1=Christian |title=Tehran launches its third military satellite into orbit |url=https://www.breakingthenews.net/news/details/60710491 |work=Baha Breaking News |date=27 September 2023}}</ref>
* The Soraya satellite is a remote sensing satellite and one of the SRI research satellite series built by the Iranian Space Research Institute, which was built by the Iranian Space Organization and was sent to the near-Earth orbit on January 20, 2024 by the Iranian [[Engineering:Qaem 100|Qaim 100]] satellite.<ref>{{Cite news |title= IRGC sets new launch record by launching Soraya satellite|url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/211038/IRGC-sets-new-launch-record-by-launching-Soraya-satellite}}</ref>
* On 28 January 2024. Three Iranian satellites, Mehda, Kayhan 2 and Hatef 1, were launched with a [[Engineering:Simorgh (rocket)|Simorgh rocket]] and placed in a 450 km orbit. This was the first time that an Iranian satellite carrier carried more than one satellite and successfully put it into orbit.<ref>{{Cite news |title= |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/01/28/1227439493/iran-launches-three-satellites-into-space-as-tensions-rise}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title= Iran successfully launches three satellites using Simorgh carrier|url=https://iranpress.com/iran-successfully-launches-three-satellites-using-simorgh-carrier}}</ref>

=== Unlaunched satellites ===
* Toloo, is the first of a new generation of [[Astronomy:Reconnaissance satellite|reconnaissance satellite]]s being built by Iran Electronics Industries with SIGINT capabilities.<ref name="payvand.com"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.payvand.com/news/11/nov/1025.html|title=Iran to Launch Toloo Satellite Next Year|publisher=Payvand.com|access-date=6 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111217073304/http://www.payvand.com/news/11/nov/1025.html|archive-date=17 December 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> It will be launched by a Simorgh.<ref name="english.farsnews.ir">{{cite web|url=http://english.farsnews.ir/newstext.aspx?nn%3D13931113001060|title=FarsNews Agency خطا|access-date=3 February 2015|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709031827/http://english.farsnews.ir/newstext.aspx?nn=13931113001060|archive-date=9 July 2015}}</ref>
* Nasir 1, Iran's indigenously designed satellite navigation system (SAT NAV) has been manufactured to find the precise locations of satellites moving in orbit.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/report-iran-unveils-self-made-satellite-navigation-system-1.433673|title=Report: Iran Unveils Self-made Satellite Navigation System|newspaper=Haaretz|access-date=3 June 2012|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716041438/http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/report-iran-unveils-self-made-satellite-navigation-system-1.433673|archive-date=16 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.payvand.com/news/12/may/1309.html|title=Iran unveils domestically manufactured satellite navigation system|access-date=19 January 2013|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618140138/http://www.payvand.com/news/12/may/1309.html|archive-date=18 June 2013}}</ref>
* Sharif satellite was originally scheduled for launch in 2012 is an observation satellite with an imaging resolution of better than 12.5 meters. The satellite is manufactured by [[Organization:Sharif University of Technology|Sharif University of Technology]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://isna.ir/fa/news/91021307234/%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%8A%D8%B3-%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%B2%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%81%D8%B6%D8%A7%D9%8A%D9%8A-%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%B1-%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D8%B9%D8%B2%D8%A7%D9%85-%D9%85%D9%88%D8%AC%D9%88%D8%AF-%D8%B2%D9%86%D8%AF%D9%87|title=رييس سازمان فضايي خبر داد:اعزام موجود زنده به فضا طي سه ماه آينده/پرتاب"ناهيد"تاپايان سال|date=2 May 2012|access-date=15 May 2012|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304111829/http://isna.ir/fa/news/91021307234/%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%8A%D8%B3-%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%B2%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%81%D8%B6%D8%A7%D9%8A%D9%8A-%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%B1-%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D8%B9%D8%B2%D8%A7%D9%85-%D9%85%D9%88%D8%AC%D9%88%D8%AF-%D8%B2%D9%86%D8%AF%D9%87|archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref>
* Mesbah (meaning 'Lantern') was to be built by Iran in collaboration with Italy's [http://www.cgspace.it/ Carlo Gavazzi Space S.p.A]. Mesbah was a [[Astronomy:Low Earth orbit|Low Earth orbit]] telecommunication satellite. The satellite was never launched as both Russia and Italy refused to cooperate with Iran anymore on space projects.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}} The original Mesbah project was later on replaced by indigenous Mesbah-2 which is to be built and launched by Iran alone.<ref name="chinadaily.com.cn">{{cite web|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2009-11/21/content_9015504.htm |title=Iran to launch satellite on its own by late 2011|work=China Daily|date=21 November 2009|access-date=6 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110125235234/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2009-11/21/content_9015504.htm|archive-date=25 January 2011|url-status=live }}</ref> It was reported, in April 2011, that the US$10 million satellite built in Italy, has not been delivered to Iran. Italy has refused to hand over the satellite to Iran under the pretext of international sanctions on Iran. Iran maintains that the satellite be handed over for its launch by an Iranian satellite carrier.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidANA20110405T123153ZFWD18|title=Zawya|publisher=Zawya |access-date=6 February 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=BaniComm Co.|url=http://www.isna.ir/ISNA/NewsView.aspx?ID=News-1741444&Lang=E|title=ISNA – 04-05-2011 – 90/1/16 – Service: / Science / News ID: 1741444 |publisher=Isna.ir|access-date=6 February 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120802170921/http://www.isna.ir/ISNA/NewsView.aspx?ID=News-1741444&Lang=E|archive-date=2 August 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.trend.az/regions/iran/1856293.html|title=Iranian official: Italy deviates from handing over Misbah satellite – Trend|publisher=En.trend.az|date=5 April 2011|access-date=6 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903072346/http://en.trend.az/regions/iran/1856293.html|archive-date=3 September 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Mesbah-2 is a limited application communication satellite which was conceived as a locally designed satellite after the original Mesbah project failed to materialize due to international pressures on Iran. It will have a life span of 3 years with store dump capability and its own navigation system. It is scheduled for launch in 2012.<ref name="globalsecurity.org"/><ref name="google.com">{{cite web |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jCDd1NvNvsNUIU4Us1P-aYbvT9HA|title=AFP: Iran to unveil three new home-built satellites: report|date=20 January 2010|access-date=6 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429164444/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jCDd1NvNvsNUIU4Us1P-aYbvT9HA|archive-date=29 April 2011|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="payvand.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.payvand.com/news/10/feb/1025.html|title=Iran unveils three new home-made satellites|publisher=Payvand.com|access-date=6 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316232028/http://www.payvand.com/news/10/feb/1025.html|archive-date=16 March 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="chinadaily.com.cn"/>
* Qaem, is a [[Astronomy:Geosynchronous satellite|geosynchronous communication satellite]] that is being developed by Iran and is scheduled to be launched on an Iranian carrier by 2016. The satellite is going to have a life expectancy of 15 years, broadcasting TV and Radio channels.<ref name="isa.ir">{{cite web|author=Sina Shafigh|url=http://www.isa.ir/components1.php?rQV==wHQxAkOklUZnFWdn5WYMJXZ0VWbhJXYw9lZ8BkN1QDQ6QWStVGdp9lZ8BUM4ATMApDZJ52bpR3Yh9lZ|title=سازمان فضایی ایران|publisher=Isa.ir|access-date=6 February 2012|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120421104347/http://www.isa.ir/components1.php?rQV==wHQxAkOklUZnFWdn5WYMJXZ0VWbhJXYw9lZ8BkN1QDQ6QWStVGdp9lZ8BUM4ATMApDZJ52bpR3Yh9lZ|archive-date=21 April 2012}}</ref><ref name="sri.ac.ir">{{cite web|url=http://www.sri.ac.ir/index.aspx?siteid=1&pageid=141&newsview=19|title=سايت اصلي - اخبارو رويدادها|publisher=Sri.ac.ir|access-date=6 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316094724/http://www.sri.ac.ir/index.aspx?siteid=1&pageid=141&newsview=19|archive-date=16 March 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Pars Sepehr, is a remote sensing satellite being built and to be launched from Iran. Its launch date is not yet confirmed.<ref name="isa.ir"/><ref name="sri.ac.ir"/>
* Pars-2, is a remote sensing satellite being built and to be launched from Iran. Its launch schedule has not yet been announced.<ref name="isa.ir"/><ref name="sri.ac.ir"/>
* ZS4 is an Iranian satellite to be launched by an Iranian launcher. Its mission role and launch date have not been revealed.<ref name="ReferenceA">Book: ''Iran: Development – space launch systems and satellites'', By: Brian Harvey, Henk H. F. Smid and Théo Pirard.</ref><ref name="spatialsource.com.au">{{cite web|url=http://www.spatialsource.com.au/article/Irans-Space-Ambitions/ZETSPMAZSF.html?page%3D3 |title=Iran's Space Ambitions - Spatial Source : Australasia's magazine for the surveying, mapping and geoinformation industries|access-date=21 May 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110306002712/http://www.spatialsource.com.au/article/Irans-Space-Ambitions/ZETSPMAZSF.html?page=3 |archive-date=6 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://parviztarikhi.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/heading2space.pdf|title=Heading to Space for Peace |access-date=21 May 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315153403/https://parviztarikhi.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/heading2space.pdf|archive-date=15 March 2016 }}</ref>
* Sina-2 is a small satellite that will replace the mission role of [[Engineering:Sina-1|Sina-1]].<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref name="spatialsource.com.au"/>
* SM2S is an Iranian satellite to be launched by an Iranian launcher. Its mission role and launch date have not been revealed.<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://iran.ru/eng/iran_news.php?act=news_by_id&news_id=20655 |title = Iran.ru - Iran.ru news |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710180119/http://iran.ru/eng/iran_news.php?act=news_by_id&news_id=20655 |archive-date=10 July 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Iran is also to implement 10 satellite projects with [[Organization:Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization|Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization]] (APSCO) members. The organization has defined 10 projects on designing, building and launching light satellites, middle class satellites weighing 500–600&nbsp;kg, research satellites, remote-sensing and telecommunications satellites.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.payvand.com/news/10/oct/1160.html|title=Iran to implement 10 satellite projects with APSCO members|publisher=Payvand.com |access-date=6 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120812210104/http://www.payvand.com/news/10/oct/1160.html |archive-date=12 August 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.payvand.com/news/11/apr/1022.html|title=Iran plans to join APSCO satellite-building project|publisher=Payvand.com|access-date=6 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120904233927/http://www.payvand.com/news/11/apr/1022.html|archive-date=4 September 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Besharat satellite is being built by Iran with collaboration of some [[Organization:Organisation of Islamic Cooperation|OIC]] members which have volunteered in the project. It is to be launched by Iran. The countries which are jointly working with Iran on the project are Pakistan, Turkey, Malaysia and some Arab countries. Its launch date is not yet confirmed.<ref>{{cite web|author=John Pike |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/space/world/iran/safir-1-2.htm|title=Iran Space Launch Vehicles|publisher=Globalsecurity.org|access-date=6 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104090533/http://www.globalsecurity.org/space/world/iran/safir-1-2.htm|archive-date=4 November 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.payvand.com/news/08/aug/1223.html|title=Iran, OIC to build satellite 'Besharat'|publisher=Payvand.com|access-date=6 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120904233933/http://www.payvand.com/news/08/aug/1223.html|archive-date=4 September 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Iran Will Launch Satellite Next Week|url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1384/2408/html/economy.htm|date=10 December 2007|access-date=6 February 2012|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207115701/http://www.iran-daily.com/1384/2408/html/economy.htm|archive-date=7 February 2009}}</ref>
* Saar (Starling) will be produced by Iran's Khajeh Nasir Toosi University of Technology.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}}
* Zohreh, is a [[Astronomy:Geosynchronous satellite|geosynchronous communication satellite]] which was originally proposed before the Revolution in the 1970s as part of a joint Indian-Iranian project of four Iranian satellites to be launched by the then upcoming [[Organization:NASA|NASA]] [[Engineering:Space Shuttle|Space Shuttle]]s. Iran had also negotiated with France to build and launch the satellites but the project never materialized. In 2005, Iran negotiated with Russia to build and launch the first Zohreh satellite under an agreement worth $132 million with the satellite launch date stipulated as 2007–2008. The new agreement had followed the earlier failed negotiations with Russia in 2003 when Russia cancelled the project under US pressures. The satellite was to be of [[Engineering:Ekspress|Express-1000]] type and capable of relaying telephone, fax, data and television signals with a life span of 15 years.<ref name="spacedaily.com"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.inss.org.il/publications.php?cat=21&incat=&read=160&print=1|title=The Institute for National Security Studies |publisher=INSS|date=27 October 2005|access-date=6 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120326084549/http://www.inss.org.il/publications.php?cat=21&incat=&read=160&print=1|archive-date=26 March 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=John Pike|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/space/world/iran/zohreh.htm|title=Zohreh|publisher=Globalsecurity.org|access-date=6 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207110332/http://www.globalsecurity.org/space/world/iran/zohreh.htm|archive-date=7 February 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2010, Iran announced that it will build and launch the satellite locally as the foreign contractors had refused to complete the project. New launch date for the satellite was announced as 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.peymane.ir/fa/pages/?cid=25045|title=ماهواره زهره تا چهارسال آينده به فضا پرتاب مي شود|publisher=Peymane.ir|access-date=6 February 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316094724/http://www.peymane.ir/fa/pages/?cid=25045|archive-date=16 March 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Behnegarsoft.com|url=http://alef.ir/1388/content/view/84900/|title=الف - پرتاب ماهواره زهره تا 4 سال آينده|publisher=Alef.ir|access-date=6 February 2012 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005181956/http://alef.ir/1388/content/view/84900/|archive-date=5 October 2011}}</ref> Russia had announced in 2009 that it is not going to cooperate with Iran on any space projects but reversed course again following the lifting of international sanctions against Iran in 2015.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Weinberger|first=Sharon |url=https://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2009/06/russians-say-nyet-to-another-iranian-satellite/|title=Russians Say 'Nyet' To Another Iranian Satellite &#124; Danger Room|magazine=Wired|date=25 June 2009|access-date=6 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120115041637/http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2009/06/russians-say-nyet-to-another-iranian-satellite|archive-date=15 January 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allourmight.com/?p=674|title=Blog Archive » Iran/Russia and arms sales, pre-Obama visit|publisher=All Our Might|date=26 June 2009|access-date=6 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325222755/http://www.allourmight.com/?p=674|archive-date=25 March 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.azernews.az/region/106464.html|title=Iran, Russia finalize cooperation on remote sensing satellite|date=14 December 2016|access-date=14 December 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161229110433/http://www.azernews.az/region/106464.html|archive-date=29 December 2016}}</ref> Iran has also solicited [[Organization:NASA|NASA]]'s cooperation in future space projects.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/irans-space-agency-eyes-cooperation-with-nasa/|title=Iran's space agency eyes cooperation with NASA|website=The Times of Israel|access-date=4 December 2016|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221011036/http://www.timesofisrael.com/irans-space-agency-eyes-cooperation-with-nasa/|archive-date=21 December 2016}}</ref>
* Ekvator, a geosynchronous communications satellite built by ISS Reshetnev for Iran in a continuation of previous Russia-Iran space cooperation efforts. As of October 2022, Ekvator is expected to be launched on a [[Engineering:Proton-M|Proton-M]] rocket in early 2024.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hendrickx |first=Bart |url=https://www.thespacereview.com/article/4475/1 |title=Russia and Iran expand space cooperation |work=The Space Review |date=31 October 2022 |access-date=5 November 2022}}</ref>
* Two satellites, Kausar and Hodhod, will be launched by a Russian launcher. The launch time of these two sensing and telecommunication satellites has been announced in early 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |title= زمان پرتاب دو ماهواره سنجشی و مخابراتی با پرتابگر روسی اعلام شد|date=9 November 2023 |url=https://www.mehrnews.com/news/5930454/%D8%B2%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%BE%D8%B1%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%A8-%D8%AF%D9%88-%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%87%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%87-%D8%B3%D9%86%D8%AC%D8%B4%DB%8C-%D9%88-%D9%85%D8%AE%D8%A7%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AA%DB%8C-%D8%A8%D8%A7-%D9%BE%D8%B1%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%A8%DA%AF%D8%B1-%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%B3%DB%8C-%D8%A7%D8%B9%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85}}</ref>
* Toloo 3 satellite is Iran’s first miniature satellite, capable of taking black-and-white photos with a 5-meter spatial resolution and colored photos with a 10-meter resolution.is scheduled to be launched in the middle of March 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |title= |url=https://themedialine.org/headlines/iran-to-launch-6-satellites-by-march-2024-says-deputy-defense-minister/#:~:text=Iran%E2%80%99s%20deputy%20defense%20minister%20and%20CEO%20of%20Iran,Tolou-3%20into%20low%20Earth%20orbit%20by%20that%20time.}}</ref>
* Nahid-2, built by the Iranian Space Research Center, is a communications satellite with a minimum lifespan of two years and will also be positioned in a 500-kilometer orbit above the earth, it is scheduled to launch in mid-2024.<ref>{{Cite news |title= |url=https://themedialine.org/headlines/iran-to-launch-6-satellites-by-march-2024-says-deputy-defense-minister/#:~:text=Iran%E2%80%99s%20deputy%20defense%20minister%20and%20CEO%20of%20Iran,Tolou-3%20into%20low%20Earth%20orbit%20by%20that%20time.}}</ref>
* Zafar-2 are Iranian microsatellites with the mission to take high resolution wall maps and aerial photos of locations around the globe, the plan is to launch the satellite in May.<ref>{{Cite news |title= |url=https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/zafar.htm}}</ref>

== Space centers ==
[[File:Locations-Iran-Space-Agency.png|thumb|right|400px|Map of locations of significant facilities of the Iranian Space Agency]]
{{geoGroup}}

The main launch site of the Iranian Space Agency is Shahrud, located at {{Coord|36|25|0|N|55|01|0|E|name=Iranian Space Agency Emamshahr|type:landmark_region:IR_scale:10000}}, where suborbital Shahab 3s LV have been launched.

[[Place:Qom|Qom]], located at {{Coord|34|39|0|N|50|54|0|E|name=Iranian Space Agency Qom|type:landmark_region:IR_scale:10000}}, is the other launch site.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/iran-builds-space-center-launch-satellites-125730061.html;_ylt=A2KJjagamcpPhiYAag3QtDMD|title=Iran builds new space center to launch satellites - Yahoo News|access-date=3 June 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305081945/http://news.yahoo.com/iran-builds-space-center-launch-satellites-125730061.html%3B_ylt%3DA2KJjagamcpPhiYAag3QtDMD|archive-date=5 March 2016}}</ref>

On occasion of the inaugural launch of Iran's first [[Engineering:Safir (rocket)|Safir-class]] sub-orbital rocket called Kavoshgar-1 (Explorer-1), Iran unveiled on 4 February 2008, its first Satellite Launch Center {{Coord|35.234|N|53.921|E|name=Iranian Space Agency Satellite Launch Center Semnan|type:landmark_region:IR_scale:10000}} in [[Place:Semnan, Iran|Semnan city]]. The facility includes an underground command and control center, a tracking station and a launchpad among other structures.

In December 2010, it was announced that due to geographical limitations of first space center in injecting satellite into orbit, studies have been carried out for setting up a second (satellite) launch pad.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}} The new national spaceport of Iran, named after Imam Khomeini,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.payvand.com/news/12/jun/1015.html|title=Iran's Imam Khomeini space center is 80 percent complete|access-date=3 June 2012|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304204457/http://www.payvand.com/news/12/jun/1015.html|archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref> is being built in Semnan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oSVX6mkmds|title=Imam Khomeini Space Center - Iran|website=[[Company:YouTube|YouTube]]|access-date=24 January 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161207040605/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oSVX6mkmds|archive-date=7 December 2016}}</ref>

This new port is to be used to launch all future Iranian space missions similar to American Kennedy Space Center or the Baikonur Cosmodrome.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mashreghnews.ir/NSite/FullStory/News/?Id=34283|title=تاسيس پايگاه ملي پرتاب ماهواره درجنوب شرق کشور - مشرق نیوز|publisher=mashreghnews.ir|date=15 June 2011|access-date=6 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320152924/http://www.mashreghnews.ir/NSite/FullStory/News/?Id=34283|archive-date=20 March 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>http://baztab.jetjoin.com/2011/03/11/%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%B3%DB%8C%D8%B3-%D9%BE%D8%A7%DB%8C%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%87-%D9%85%D9%84%DB%8C-%D9%BE%D8%B1%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%A8-%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%87%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%87-%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%AC%D9%86%D9%88%D8%A8/ {{dead link|date=December 2016|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ihrc.ir/FA/NewsShow.aspx?ID=8141|title=اختصاص ۴ ميليارد تومان اعتبار براي ساخت ابررايانه ملي|publisher=Ihrc.ir|access-date=6 February 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110818084219/http://ihrc.ir/FA/NewsShow.aspx?ID=8141|archive-date=18 August 2011}}</ref> In March 2011, Jane's Information Group reported on the basis of its satellite imagery analysis of Iranian space launch sites that Iran is aggressively building complex facilities with very rapid pace showing the nation's inclinations towards space readiness.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Defence-Weekly-2011/Iran-accelerates-space-and-missile-launch-projects.html|title=Iran accelerates space and missile launch projects – Jane's Defence Weekly|publisher=Articles.janes.com|date=18 March 2011|access-date=6 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503102555/http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Defence-Weekly-2011/Iran-accelerates-space-and-missile-launch-projects.html|archive-date=3 May 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

In June 2013, Iran inaugurated its first space monitoring center located near Delijan in Markazi province, according to Iran's Defense Minister General Ahmad Vahidi the new center which was named Imam Ja'far Sadeq would mostly be used to track and detect space objects and satellites passing overhead using radar, electro-optic and radio systems.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.farsnews.ir/newstext.php?nn%3D9203180420|title=Archived copy|access-date=9 June 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613054423/http://english.farsnews.irnewstext.php?nn=9203180420|archive-date=13 June 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.farsnews.ir/imgrep.php?nn%3D13920319000829|title=خطا &#124; خبرگزاری فارس|access-date=9 June 2013|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304045552/http://www.farsnews.ir/imgrep.php?nn=13920319000829|archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref>

Iran is building a space center in Chabahar, the first phase will be operational in 2025.

==Internet constellation ==
The government has announced that there will be an internet satellite to combat Starlink.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.iranintl.com/202310241334 | title=رییس سازمان فضایی: ماهواره‌ «قاسم سلیمانی» مشابه استارلینک دو سال دیگر به فضا پرتاب می‌شود }}</ref>
== Human spaceflight program ==
{{Main|Astronomy:Iranian crewed spacecraft}}

Iran expressed for the first time its intention to send a human to space during the summit of Soviet and Iranian Presidents at 21 June 1990. Soviet President [[Biography:Mikhail Gorbachev|Mikhail Gorbachev]] reached an agreement in principle with then-President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani to make joint Soviet-Iranian crewed flights to Mir space station but this agreement was never realized after the breakup of the [[Place:Soviet Union|Soviet Union]].

Almost two decades later the Iranian News Agency claimed on 21 November 2005, that the Iranians have a human space program along with plans for the development of a spacecraft and a space laboratory. <!--do not delete! Chinese IRNA link when first accessed<ref>http://www.irna.ir/ch/news/view/menu-332/0511213283154918.html {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref>--><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSBLA13323720080821 |title=Iran plans manned space mission in 10 years|work=Reuters|date=21 August 2008|access-date=6 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722041036/http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSBLA13323720080821|archive-date=22 July 2010|url-status=live}}</ref>

Iran Aerospace Industries Organization (IAIO) head Reza Taghipour on 20 August 2008, revealed Iran intends to launch a human mission into space within a decade. This goal was described as the country's top priority for the next 10 years, in order to make Iran the leading space power of the region by 2021.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3585540,00.html|title=First Iranian in space within decade|publisher=Ynetnews|date=20 August 2008|access-date=20 August 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080824010221/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3585540,00.html|archive-date=24 August 2008|url-status=live}}</ref>

In August 2010, President Ahmadinejad announced that Iran's first astronaut should be sent into space on board an Iranian spacecraft by no later than 2019.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-10747390|work=BBC News|title=Iran aims to send man into space by 2019|date=23 July 2010|access-date=21 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181125130121/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-10747390|archive-date=25 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> According to Iranian human space program, the first [[Engineering:Sub-orbital spaceflight|sub-orbital spaceflight]] was take place by 2016 at an altitude below 200 kilometers as preparation for the eventual [[Engineering:Orbital spaceflight|orbital spaceflight]].<ref name=ISA-suborbit>{{cite web|url=http://www.isa.ir/components1.php?rQV==wHQyAkOklUZnFWdn5WYMJXZ0VWbhJXYw9lZ8B0N3QDQ6QWStVGdp9lZ8BUM4ATMApDZJ52bpR3Yh9lZ |title=Dispatching Iranian astronaut to below 200 km orbit|publisher=Iranian Space Agency|date=31 May 2011|access-date=29 December 2012|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224101258/http://www.isa.ir/components1.php?rQV==wHQyAkOklUZnFWdn5WYMJXZ0VWbhJXYw9lZ8B0N3QDQ6QWStVGdp9lZ8BUM4ATMApDZJ52bpR3Yh9lZ|archive-date=24 December 2013}}</ref> No such vehicle was developed.

On 17 February 2015, Iran unveiled a mock [[Engineering:Prototype|prototype]] of crewed spaceship that would be capable of taking astronauts into space.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.payvand.com/news/15/feb/1087.html|title=Photos: Iran displays manned spacecraft prototype|access-date=22 February 2015|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304204646/http://www.payvand.com/news/15/feb/1087.html|archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref> According to Iran's Space Administrator, this program was put on hold in 2017 indefinitely.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/31/world/middleeast/iran-space.html|title=Iran Drops Plan to Send Human into Space, Citing Cost|last=Gladstone|first=Rick|work=The New York Times |date=31 May 2017 |access-date=1 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170601065046/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/31/world/middleeast/iran-space.html|archive-date=1 June 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2021, the spaceship was being prepared to send a human into space by 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-10-06 |title=توسعه صنعت فضایی شتاب می‌گیرد/اعزام انسان به فضا توسط ایران تا سال۱۴۰۴ |url=https://www.irna.ir/news/84493021/توسعه-صنعت-فضایی-شتاب-می-گیرد-اعزام-انسان-به-فضا-توسط-ایران-تا |access-date=2022-03-27 |website=ایرنا |language=fa}}</ref>

On 6 December, 2023 Iran launched live animals into space in a capsule mounted on a new type of rocket called "Salman".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/space/iran-sends-up-rocket-with-test-living-capsule-2023-12-06/ |title= Iran sends up rocket with test living capsule |website= {{wipe|Reuters}} |date=6 December 2023 }}</ref> Iran's telecommunications director claims the effort is part of Iran's program to send at least one Iranian astronaut to space in a fully indigenous crewed spacecraft on a fully indigenous rocket by 2029.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://interestingengineering.com/culture/iran-sent-animals-80-miles-into-space |title=Iran claims animals launched 80 miles into space, human mission in 2029 |last=Paleja |first=Ameya |date=6 December 2023 }}</ref> 

=== Space station ===
According to unofficial Chinese internet sources, an Iranian participation in the future Chinese space station program has been discussed. This involvement might range from simply sending astronauts to the 60 ton class space station to contributing with development of a space laboratory module. International human spaceflight cooperation has officially been disclosed for the first time after the launch of the Chinese [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 7|Shenzhou 7]] spacecraft.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/newscenter/2008-09/26/content_10114727.htm|title=权威发布:神舟飞船将从神八开始批量生产|publisher=新华网|date=26 September 2008|access-date=26 September 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080929025036/http://news.xinhuanet.com/newscenter/2008-09/26/content_10114727.htm|archive-date=29 September 2008}}</ref>

=== Lunar program ===
In 2011 and 2012, Western media has quoted that Iran has plans to land an astronaut on the Moon by 2025. However Iran doesn't have a medium lift rocket, therefore sending a human to space is unlikely due to the lack of equipment.<ref name=ISA-suborbit/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/more/nicholas20120405|title=Will Iran get to the Moon?|access-date=5 April 2012|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160908095840/http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/more/nicholas20120405|archive-date=8 September 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.space.com/13270-iran-space-monkey-launch-failure.html|title=Report: Iran Attempt to Launch Monkey into Space Fails|website=Space.com|date=12 October 2011|access-date=8 September 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224030624/http://www.space.com/13270-iran-space-monkey-launch-failure.html |archive-date=24 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn22136-iran-space-agency-to-launch-a-monkey-into-space.html|title=Iran Space Agency to launch a monkey into space – space – 03 August 2012 – New Scientist|access-date=7 September 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701195840/http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn22136-iran-space-agency-to-launch-a-monkey-into-space.html|archive-date=1 July 2015}}</ref><ref name=Harding>{{cite book|last=Harding|first=Robert C.|title=Space Policy in Developing Countries: The Search for Security and Development on the Final Frontier|date=2012|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-0-415-53845-9|page=131}}</ref><ref name=Lele>{{cite book|last=Lele|first=Ajey|title=Asian Space Race: Rhetoric or Reality?|date=2012|publisher=Springer |isbn=978-8132207320|edition=2013|page=33}}</ref>

== Controversy ==

The Iranian space program has been condemned by United States and Europe because of their concern over its military potential. Some analysts have compared the relatively fast Iranian advancement in space technology to Soviet Sputnik program with the prediction that this advancement will propel Iran's military capability in other areas as well. The military concerns over Iran's space program has been exacerbated over Safir rocket's advanced 2nd stage which Iran has kept secret by not releasing any technical information related to the second stage of the rocket, keeping outside observers guessing over the technicalities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://meria.idc.ac.il/journal/2006/issue3/jv10no3a2.html|title=Iran's Space Program: The Next Genie in a Bottle?|publisher=Meria.idc.ac.il|access-date=6 February 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111227052716/http://meria.idc.ac.il/journal/2006/issue3/jv10no3a2.html|archive-date=27 December 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://biak-spaceport.blogspot.com/2010/02/emerging-iranian-space-program.html|title=Biak Spaceport: The Emerging Iranian Space Program|publisher=Biak-spaceport.blogspot.com|access-date=6 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316094747/http://biak-spaceport.blogspot.com/2010/02/emerging-iranian-space-program.html|archive-date=16 March 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=3934643 Defense News] {{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Iranian_missiles_have_worldwide_reach_Russia_999.html|title=Iranian missiles have 'worldwide reach': Russia|publisher=Spacewar.com|access-date=6 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207120524/http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Iranian_missiles_have_worldwide_reach_Russia_999.html|archive-date=7 February 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/02/03/world/main4771491.shtml?source=RSSattr=HOME_4771491|publisher=CBS News|title=Iran Launches First Homegrown Satellite|date=3 February 2009|access-date=30 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090214055515/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/02/03/world/main4771491.shtml?source=RSSattr=HOME_4771491|archive-date=14 February 2009|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.asemangasht.com/travel_news/show.php?id=24|title=Travel News – Iran claims first launch of its own satellite|publisher=Asemangasht.com|access-date=6 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317012937/http://www.asemangasht.com/travel_news/show.php?id=24|archive-date=17 March 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/2575063/Iran-launches-rocket-capable-of-carrying-satellite.html|location=London|work=The Daily Telegraph|title=Iran launches rocket capable of carrying satellite|date=17 August 2008|access-date=5 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907182945/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/2575063/Iran-launches-rocket-capable-of-carrying-satellite.html|archive-date=7 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> For Radio Free Europe, independent experts interviewed disagreed with assertion made by the U.S. and various European countries. SIPRI's Tytti Erästö stated space launch vehicle program can contribute to missile development yet it isn't a shortcut for development of long range missiles such as intercontinental ballistic missiles, historically the ICBMs were converted to SLVs and never was in history SLV converted to ICBM. IISS Michael Elleman stated that claims made by the U.S. such as Mike Pompeo are grossly exaggerating contribution of SLV program to ICBM program and that it is misguided to suggest that SLV program is cover for nuclear capable ICBMs as claims made are a political statement. ST Analytics Markus Schiller stated that there is no indication that Iran is trying to develop missiles with range longer than 2000&nbsp;km as Iran has been working on improving accuracy of their existing short and medium range missiles.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/is-iran-converting-space-launchers-into-long-range-missiles-/30437113.html|title = Is Iran Using Space Launches to Develop Long-Range Missiles?| newspaper=Radiofreeeurope/Radioliberty | last1=Synovitz | first1=Ron }}</ref>

=== Sabotage by the U.S. ===
In 2019, the New York Times reported that the U.S. has been sabotaging Iran's space program for years and that it planned to widen its efforts.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Sanger |first1=David E. |last2=Broad |first2=William J. |date=2019-02-13 |title=U.S. Revives Secret Program to Sabotage Iranian Missiles and Rockets |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/13/us/politics/iran-missile-launch-failures.html |access-date=2022-07-05 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

== See also ==

* [[Organization:Iranian Space Research Center|Iranian Space Research Center]]
* Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
* [[Biography:Anousheh Ansari|Anousheh Ansari]] – First Iranian-American cosmonaut
* [[Astronomy:Colonization of Mars|Colonization of Mars]]
* [[Astronomy:Colonization of the Moon|Colonization of the Moon]]
* Economy of Iran
* International rankings of Iran in science and technology
* [[Organization:Iran Aviation Industries Organization|Iran Aviation Industries Organization]]
* [[Engineering:Timeline of first orbital launches by country#List of first orbital launches by country|List of first orbital launches by country]]
* [[Astronomy:List of government space agencies|List of government space agencies]]
* List of Iranian research centers
* [[Astronomy:List of missions to the Moon|List of missions to the Moon]]
* [[Astronomy:Human spaceflight#National spacefaring attempts|National spacefaring programs]]
* Science and technology in Iran

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==

{{Public sector space agencies}}
{{Space exploration lists and timelines}}


[[Category:Space agencies]]

{{Sourceattribution|Iranian Space Agency}}