Iran’s Kowsar satellite upgrade set for early 2025 launch PHOTO

Iran is preparing to launch an advanced version of the Kowsar satellite, aiming for deployment in the first half of the next Iranian year, which starts on March 22, 2025.

Hussein Shahraabi, CEO of Omid Space, made the announcement, highlighting the strides made in satellite technology despite ongoing challenges.

Speaking to local news agencies, Shahraabi revealed that the Kowsar and Hodhod satellites, developed by Omid Space in collaboration with Dideh Pardaz Saba, were previously launched aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket on November 6, Caliber.Az reports.

“These satellites were designed to boost precision farming,” Shahraabi explained. “Kowsar focuses on remote sensing, while Hodhod is tailored for Internet of Things (IoT) applications.”

Emphasising the domestically-driven nature of the project, he noted that over 85% of the satellites’ components were manufactured in Iran. Even with some imported parts, the project remains a testament to Iranian engineering and design.

Shahraabi also addressed the challenges posed by international sanctions, stating: “Despite the obstacles, we have successfully overcome them."

Looking ahead, Shahraabi unveiled plans for the Kowsar 1.5 mission, a hybrid version combining the capabilities of the Kowsar and Hodhod satellites. This upgraded satellite is scheduled for launch within the same timeline as the Kowsar upgrade, with efforts underway to secure investment for its development.

In November 2024, Iran's private space sector achieved a significant milestone with the successful launch of the Kowsar and Hodhod satellites aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket.

This marked the country’s first private venture into satellite production and space deployment.

Kowsar, a 30-kilogram high-resolution sensing satellite, is designed for precision agriculture and environmental monitoring, featuring a resolution capability of 3.45 meters.

Hodhod, a CubeSat, aims to enhance Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity in remote areas. Both satellites orbit at 500 kilometres, representing a leap forward in Iran's space technology ambitions.

By Tamilla Hasanova