ISA Fajr launch at Semnan Satellite Launch Center

Above: ISA launch of IEI Fajr satellite at Semnan Satellite Launch Center

At the commencement of the 10 Day Dawn Cellebration, on 02FEB15 the Iranian Space Agency (ISA) successfully launched an Iran Electronics Industry Fajr ("Dawn") satellite into orbit using a Safir ("Ambassador") space launch vehicle (SLV) at Semnan Satellite Launch Center.

Observers had been led to expect Iran's latest launch was to utilize a larger SLV from the Imam Khomeini Space Launch Center but this was not the case. A number of observers had even mistakenly concluded the Iran space program was dead due to financial constraints. Once again the Iranians demonstrate a capacity to surprise.

The Fajr satellite is claimed to possess a cold gas thruster system, enabling an increase in lifespan to ~1.5 years. It also features a new generation of solar panels that better withstand high pressure and temperatures. It represents a lifted payload of 50 kgs, to an apogee of ~450 km.

Purpose of the Fajr satellite is the "taking and transmitting high-quality and accurate pictures to stations on earth". The satellite also uses an indigenous GPS-type  specialized celestial positioning system.

The IEI Fajr satellite can be tracked in real time HERE.

ISA Safir ("Ambassador") space launch vehicle (SLV) at Semnan Satellite Launch Center

ISA Safir at the launch pad, prior to launch. Note transporter erector launcher (TEL) at bottom right, more typically performing transport and launch duties for Shahab 3 type MRBMs.

The Iran Electronics Industry Fajr ("Dawn") satellite

For a sense of scale, Fajr satellite prototype depicted at far right

IRINN VIDEO:

Photos:

Islamic Republic News Agency

Vahid Reza Alaei at Fars News Agency

Iran Launches New Satellite into Space

Iran today launched a new satellite into space. Fajr (“Dawn”) was put into elliptical orbit of 250 to 400 kilometers aboard Safir satellite launch vehicle (SLV), becoming the fourth Iranian satellite launched into space. The Iranian media reported that the new satellite is equipped with micro-motors that provide it orbit-changing capability.

Iran launched its first satellite, Omid (“Hope”) in 2009, and sent its first bio-capsule containing living creatures into space in 2010. The director of Iran Space Agency, Hamid Fazeli, announced last October that Iran will launch three satellites into space (Fajr, Tadbir and Sharif) in the current Iranian calendar year, which ends on 20 March.

File photo: Safir SLV (Press TV)

Iran to Launch New Satellites into Orbit

Iran is reportedly prepared to put three new satellites into orbit in near future. Mohammad Shariatmadari, the executive deputy to Iran’s president, made the announcement today.

“God willing, Tadbir, Sharif Sat and Fajr satellites are all in the final stages and ready to be launched,” Shariatmadari said (Fars News Agency, 11 January). Shariatmadari did not provide a date for the launch.

Omid was the first indigenously launched Iranian satellite sent into orbit in 2009. It completed more than 700 orbits over seven weeks before reentering the Earth's atmosphere successfully.

Omid and subsequent satellites launched used Safir satellite launch vehicle (SLV) and its upgraded variant. Shariatmadari did not say if Safir SLV would be used to launch these satellites as well. Iran has been developing a new generation SLV called Simorgh, with superior booster capabilities.

Iran has also successfully launched monkeys into space. Last December, Fargam the monkey was launched and returned safely to earth after a 15-minute rocket ride. Iran used its Kavoshgar rocket for the launch.


File photo: Safir satellite launch vehicle (SLV) / Fars News Agency 

Iran to Launch Fajr Satellite

Iran's Defense Ministry announced today that it will launch its indigenous Fajr (Dawn) satellite into orbit in June. The reconnaissance satellite is powered by solar energy. Defense Minister Brig. Gen. Ahmad Vahidi called the planned launch as yet another technological step forward for the country’s space program.

The Fajr satellite will be sent up on board an upgraded version of Safir (Ambassador) rocket. It will be placed in elliptical orbit of 400 km in radius, and will remain in space for a year and a half.

Iran launched its first indigenous satellite, Omid (Hope), in 2009 (pictured above). In June 2011, Iran put the 15.3-kilogram Rasad (Observation) orbiter in space. Rasad's mission was to take images of the Earth and transmit them along with telemetry information to the ground stations.

Iran also launched Navid-e Elm-o Sanat (Harbinger of Science and Industry), a telecom, measurement and scientific satellite into orbit last February. The country plans to launch its first manned mission to space by 2019.

File Photo: Omid (Hope) Satellite being sent into orbit on board Safir (Ambassador) rocket in 2009. Fars/Press TV Photo.