Russia launches Iranian satellite into orbit (VIDEO)
Russia has launched a Soyuz rocket carrying an Iranian communications satellite into orbit, the country’s space agency Roscosmos said on Friday.
The launch took place at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia’s Far East and was broadcast live. The rocket carried more than 20 payloads, including two Russian scientific satellites, 18 small commercial orbiters, and Iran’s Nahid-2 satellite.
Nahid-2 was developed by the Iranian Space Research Center and launched under a commercial agreement with the Iranian Space Agency. According to Iranian state media, the satellite is designed for low-Earth orbit and supports Tehran’s broader ambitions to expand its space capabilities.
The mission follows a growing series of joint Russian-Iranian space initiatives, including launches of Earth observation and communications satellites. In January, Moscow and Tehran signed a 20-year comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, which includes collaboration on civil space programs and emphasizes peaceful cooperation across energy, science, and technology sectors.
Russia regularly launches satellites for foreign clients through commercially contracted Soyuz missions. Last November, Russia conducted a record-breaking launch of 53 satellites from Vostochny, including payloads from Iran, Zimbabwe, and a joint Russian-Chinese device.
