TEHRAN- The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) successfully launched its Sorayya satellite into a 750-kilometer orbit on Saturday morning. 

The launch marks a significant milestone for Iran's aerospace capabilities and further demonstrates its growing ambitions in space technology.

The three-stage solid-fuel Qaem 100 satellite carrier, developed by the IRGC Aerospace Force, carried the Sorayya satellite into space. The satellite's successful placement in orbit has set a new record for Iran, as it represents the first time the country has launched a satellite into this altitude.

The launch was witnessed by Major General Hossein Salami, the commander of the IRGC, Hassan Salarieh, the head of the Iranian Space Agency, Amir Ali Hajizadeh, commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force, and a group of military figures.

Sorayya is a research satellite with a mass of approximately 50 kilograms. It is equipped with a variety of scientific instruments that will be used to collect data on various aspects of space, including weather patterns, Earth's resources, and the environment.

The sub-orbital launch of the Qaem 100 satellite carrier was successfully conducted in October 2022. This successful orbital launch marks a significant step forward in Iran's space program and further strengthens its position as a regional space power.

The Qaem 100, with its three stages of solid fuel, is capable of placing satellites weighing up to 80 kilograms in an orbit of 750 kilometers from Earth's surface. This capability will enable Iran to launch larger and more sophisticated satellites in the future.

The successful launch of the Sorayya satellite is a testament to Iran's ongoing commitment to developing its space program and expanding its technological capabilities.

Culled from Tehran Times