Iran to send four satellites into orbit: ISA

Source: Tehran Times

Iran plans to launch four new satellites with domestically-manufactured carriers into the space in the near future, the deputy director of Iranian Space Agency (ISA) says. "The launching of Sharif Sat, Zafar (Triumph), Tolou (Sunrise) and Pars satellites, with powerful locally-designed carriers, in the near future is on the agenda," Hamid Fazeli said on Sunday, according to Press TV.

Zafar is a monitoring satellite, which will be sent into a geostationary orbit that is a circular orbit around 36,000 kilometers above the earth's equator.

The satellite will reportedly have a lifespan of a year and a half, and will capture images and transmit them to stations on the earth.

Tolou satellite will also carry out remote sensing and topography missions, and will travel in an orbit of 500 kilometers above the earth's equator.

Pointing to Iran's position in aerospace expertise, he noted that the country is among the five emerging states active in this sector and that many countries are following Iran's lead in their space programs.

Mastering the technology for geosynchronous satellites, localizing, designing, and launching of telecommunications and remote-sensing satellites as well as establishing launch pads and telemetry stations are among other priorities of ISA, the official said.

In July, ISA formulated a 10-year strategic plan, which incorporates three main sections, including sending humans as well as telecommunications and remote sensing satellites into space.

Iran launched its first domestically-built satellite, Omid (Hope), into orbit in 2009. The country also sent its first bio-capsule containing living creatures into the space in February 2010, using Kavoshgar-3 (Explorer-3) carrier.

Iran is one of the 24 founding members of the United Nations' Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, which was set up in 1959.