Overview
- Iranian state media said Zafar-2, Paya and Kowsar 1.5 were placed in orbit on December 28 by a Soyuz rocket from the Vostochny cosmodrome.
- IRNA reported the trio are observation satellites designed by Iran’s private sector.
- IRNA described Paya as the most advanced domestically made imaging satellite at 150 kilograms, using artificial intelligence for water management, environmental monitoring and mapping.
- The satellites are slated to operate around 500 kilometers above Earth for three to five years, and Fars said Soyuz was chosen for its reliability with sensitive payloads.
- Iran counts roughly ten launches over the past two years, including a July liftoff from the same Russian site and a heavy domestic launch in September 2024; Tehran calls the program peaceful and UN-compliant as Western governments voice skepticism.