Iran Plans to Launch Three Satellites From Martyr Soleimani Constellation
Todays News InternationalPosted by admin on 2026-10-06 13:51:10 |
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Iran is preparing to expand its space-based communications infrastructure, with plans to place three satellites from its 24-satellite Martyr Soleimani constellation into orbit by March 2027.
Iranian Minister of Information and Communications Technology Sattar Hashemi announced the plan during a ceremony marking World Space Week. According to the minister, the three satellites have already reached launch readiness and are expected to be deployed before the end of the current Iranian year on March 20, 2027. Their capabilities are also expected to be presented during celebrations in February.
The planned deployment represents a broader shift in Iran's space program from developing individual satellites toward building satellite constellations. Officials say the approach is intended to strengthen telecommunications services and improve connectivity in areas where conventional ground-based infrastructure is difficult or expensive to establish.
A major focus is providing communications coverage to remote villages. Hashemi noted that Iran has obligations to extend telecommunications services to villages with more than 20 households, but installing reliable terrestrial networks in geographically challenging locations can take considerable time. Satellite-based infrastructure could help address these connectivity gaps.
The Martyr Soleimani constellation consists of 24 satellites, with the broader project designed to provide narrowband communications services across Iran. Earlier statements from Iranian space officials indicated that the first phase includes 18 operational satellites along with six backup units.
Iranian officials have increasingly emphasized the development of domestic space technology, including communications and Earth-observation satellites. The country is also preparing other projects, including the Pars-2 remote-sensing satellite and additional telecommunications missions.
The planned launch of the three satellites is therefore being presented as another step in Iran's effort to develop a larger, domestically supported satellite network and strengthen communications services, particularly in remote and underserved regions.