Tehran/Moscow, Dec 28, (dpa/GNA) – Iran on Sunday launched three satellites into orbit with the help of Russia.
A Soyuz rocket carrying the Iranian satellites Kosar, Paya and Zafar 2 blasted off from the Vostochny Cosmodrome launch base in the Russian Far East into Low Earth Orbit at an altitude of approximately 500 kilometres, state news agency IRNA reported.
The three satellites are reportedly intended to contribute to Iran’s scientific development by collecting environmental data, such as information on weather systems, natural disasters and agriculture.
Iran has launched several satellites into space in the past and claims that the programme is entirely peaceful and not used for military objectives.
“Iran is merely advancing its technology, and launching satellites is part of this endeavour,” said Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, describing the latest launch as a “purely scientific mission.”
However, the West, including the US and Israel in particular, are critical of Iran’s satellite programme. They fear that the Islamic Republic could use space technology for military purposes.
Critics are particularly questioning the involvement of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards – the country’s primary armed force in charge of military operations – in such scientific missions.
Russia and Iran are working closely together, primarily due to the Western sanctions that affect both countries.
Iran has also been accused of providing Russia with drones for use in the war against Ukraine. Tehran claims that supplying drones is just part of its general military cooperation with Moscow, and should not be interpreted as an act against Kiev.
GNA