Tehran, Sep 15 (V7N)– Iran has successfully launched another satellite into orbit, defying Western objections and restrictions. The research satellite, named Chamran-1, was launched on Saturday, marking Iran's second successful satellite launch this year. The satellite was designed and built by Iranian Electronics Industries (Syran) and was placed into an orbit 550 km (340 mi) above Earth. This achievement was reported by Iranian state media and cited by Reuters.

The Chamran-1 satellite, weighing 60 kg (132 pounds), was launched with the primary goal of testing hardware and software systems for orbital manoeuvres involving altitude and speed adjustments. It was launched aboard the Gohem-100, Iran's first three-stage, solid-fuelled satellite launch vehicle developed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) space force. The satellite successfully transmitted its first signal after entering orbit.

Earlier this year, Iran had successfully launched the Soraya satellite into an orbit 750 km high, the furthest achieved so far by Iran, also using the Gohem-100 rocket.

Western nations, particularly the United States, have expressed concern over Iran's space program, alleging that the technology used to launch satellites can also be applied to long-range ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Despite these concerns, Iran has consistently denied accusations that it seeks to develop nuclear weapons, claiming that its space and missile programs are for peaceful purposes.

The launch comes at a time of heightened tensions, as the US and European nations accuse Iran of supplying ballistic missiles to Russia, allegedly for use in the ongoing war in Ukraine. Tehran has strongly denied these allegations.

Iran's satellite and missile programs have faced setbacks in the past, with several failed launches attributed to technical issues. Despite this, the country boasts one of the largest missile programs in the Middle East.

END/AJ/SMA