Iran’s Space Organization: Sanctions To Self-Reliance

WANA (Dec 29) – On Sunday, December 28th, 2025th, Iran launched three domestically developed remote-sensing satellites into orbit aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket from the Vostochny Space Center, marking what officials described as a significant step forward for the country’s space industry.

The satellites, Paya, Zafar-2, and Kowsar, were placed into orbit  and while we were present at a cultural center in Tehran for a public live viewing of the launch, Hassan Salarieh, head of the Iranian Space Organization, attended the gathering alongside a group of young people and spoke to WANA reporters about the significance of the mission and the broader state of Iran’s space program, below the picture you can see the answers that Mr Salarieh gave to WANA:

People watch the launch of a Russian satellite carrier carrying Iranian satellites on a screen in Tehran, Iran, on December 28, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Q:Have sanctions created problems for Iran’s space industry?

“Sanctions and limitations on access to resources and equipment have certainly slowed progress. However, they have also had their own advantages. Over the past two decades, Iran’s space industry has increasingly relied on domestic technology development. Sanctions made localization a priority and pushed the industry toward building its own capabilities instead of purchasing satellites and equipment from abroad, as many non-sanctioned countries do.”

According to Salarieh, while developing space technology domestically takes longer than purchasing ready-made systems, it gives Iran full control over design, upgrades, and production. He noted that this approach allows the country not only to meet its own needs but also to potentially move toward exporting space technology in the future, describing the process as a key factor in the industry’s growth.

Q:How do you see the future of Iran’s space industry?

“The space industry is a unique and strategic sector worldwide. Because of its importance, the Ministry of Communications has placed the development of space technology among its serious priorities. The Iranian Space Organization and the Iranian Research Institute, both affiliated with the ministry, are working alongside academic institutions, knowledge-based companies, and other national partners to advance this industry. ” Mr Salarieh said

He added, “Space technology plays a key role in increasing productivity and improving management, particularly in managing terrestrial resources in the shortest possible time and with high-quality data. While some countries remain consumers of space technology, Iran is focused on developing and acquiring this technology domestically.”

Successful Launch of Three Iranian Remote-Sensing Satellites into Low Earth Orbit. Social media /WANA News Agency

Q:What is the significance of today’s satellite launch?

In anwer to this question, He noted ” Today’s launch was particularly important because three Iranian remote-sensing satellites were placed into orbit to conduct measurements with different levels of accuracy, ranging from under five meters to about 15 meters. Operating together as a system, these satellites will significantly shorten the time required to access updated Earth observation images.” 

Then added that : ” The satellites were developed across different platforms, demonstrating both the scope and the progress of Iran’s space industry. For this reason, the launch is considered one of the country’s important milestones in space technology.”

Q:Did this launch carry a specific message for the country or the international community?

“Iran is continuing its path in the space industry and is interested in cooperating with countries that seek to develop their own space capabilities. One of the Ministry of Communications’ priorities is technological diplomacy, and space technology is one of its key tools.” Mr Salarieh told our reporters

The launch and the public event in Tehran, he told WANA, reflect Iran’s continued commitment to advancing its space program despite external pressures, positioning the sector as both a strategic national asset and a platform for future cooperation.

Based on the insights provided, it is evident that there is a collective sentiment of optimism regarding the future of this nation and the anticipated advancements within Iran’s space industry. This represents a pivotal opportunity for progress and development in the sector.