Iran’s Nahid-2 satellite successfully launched into 500-km orbit VIDEO

Iran’s Nahid-2 telecommunications satellite was successfully injected into a low Earth orbit at approximately 500 kilometres altitude, the Iranian Space Agency (ISA) confirmed on July 25.

The satellite was launched aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia, marking a significant milestone for Iran’s indigenous space industry, Caliber.Az reports, citing Iranian media.

Developed by Iranian researchers at the Space Research Center in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology and various domestic knowledge-based companies, Nahid-2 weighs roughly 110 kilograms. The satellite represents a critical advancement for Iran’s ambitions in satellite communications, targeting both low Earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary orbit (GEO) constellations.

The Nahid-2 will be the first Iranian satellite to test Ku-band communication technologies in orbit, enabling two-way telecommunications capabilities. Beyond communications, the satellite is equipped to evaluate several other advanced technologies, including three-axis attitude control, sophisticated data management systems, and power distribution frameworks.

One of the unique features of Nahid-2 is its indigenous propulsion system designed to counter gradual orbital decay, a common challenge for long-duration satellites. This home-grown system can adjust the satellite’s altitude by up to 50 kilometers. It employs domestically produced hot gas thrusters, featuring a composite fuel tank, high-pressure valves, and precision control thrusters. These components, due to their complexity and strategic importance, are rarely accessible on the global market.

Additional technological innovations aboard Nahid-2 include polymer-based coatings and space-grade adhesives developed locally, which provide essential thermal insulation and conductivity management for the satellite’s engine and exterior. Furthermore, the satellite is powered by Iranian-manufactured lithium-ion batteries engineered to endure tens of thousands of charge cycles, ensuring reliability over the satellite’s planned five-year operational lifespan.

The launch also symbolized Iran’s growing presence in international space missions, as evidenced by the Iranian Space Agency’s emblem displayed on the Soyuz rocket. This follows a series of Iranian satellites previously launched via Russian vehicles, including Khayyam, Pars-1, and Hodhod.

Nahid-2’s successful deployment highlights Iran’s expanding capabilities in satellite technology and signals further progress toward developing a robust, domestically supported space infrastructure.

By Vafa Guliyeva