Iran launches first-ever geostationary broadcasting satellite

Iran has successfully launched its first geostationary broadcasting satellite, Jam-e Jam 1 (Iran DBS), operated by the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB).

The satellite was sent into orbit from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

According to the Mehr news agency, the launch was carried out using a Proton-M carrier rocket. The project represents Iran’s first venture into the development of geostationary satellites designed specifically for broadcasting purposes.

The satellite is expected to reach and stabilise at its designated orbital position of 34 degrees east longitude in less than three weeks. Its primary mission is to transmit signals to ground stations and to lay the groundwork for implementing a new interactive broadcasting technology within the country.

Unlike standard television satellites, the signal transmitted by Jam-e Jam 1 cannot be received through ordinary household satellite receivers.

Access to its broadcasts is limited to professional and specialised equipment. The satellite is intended to perform a key infrastructural role in IRIB’s communications and content distribution network.

By Tamilla Hasanova