SAEDNEWS: The Minister of Communications and Information Technology announced that planning for the first indigenous launch to a 35,000 km orbit is underway, with hopes to conduct the first research launch to GEO orbit before the end of the year.
According to SaedNews, the development of the space industry has been on a promising trajectory in recent years. The reappointment of the head of the Iranian Space Agency in the fourteenth government indicates that this progress is set to continue.
In this regard, Sattar Hashemi, the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, mentioned in an interview with IRNA today (Monday) about the most critical focus for developing the space industry: "At the Ministry of Communications, we believe in balanced development across various sectors, which requires sustainable growth. However, what personally fascinates me, and I actively participate in its discussions, is access to GEO orbit, which is significantly different from LEO orbit."
Hashemi emphasized: "The appeal lies in the technological complexities of this orbit, which must be pursued with exceptional precision and care. Achieving this orbit is not instantaneous but occurs within fractions of a second, with part of the process involving artificial intelligence. Reaching the 35,000 km orbit is both challenging and captivating."
The Minister of Communications expressed optimism that the first research launch to GEO orbit would be conducted before the end of the year. This is essentially an experimental and preliminary task that can pave the way for future endeavors.
He mentioned that they hope to conduct this launch domestically, adding: "Success or failure in this launch is not our primary concern at the moment, as this is the first step we intend to take on this path, and it will serve as a test for us."
