Russia to Launch Two Iranian Satellites Tuesday, Tehran's Moscow Envoy Says

Kremlin's Space Chief Confirms Plan, Citing Deepening Strategic Ties

Russia will launch two Iranian satellites into orbit on Tuesday, the Iranian ambassador to Moscow said on Monday, a move that underscores the deepening strategic ties between the two countries. The satellites, Khayyam and Khayyam-2, are named after the Persian poet Omar Khayyam and are designed for remote sensing and Earth observation.

Long-Standing Cooperation in Space Exploration

Russia and Iran have a long history of cooperation in space exploration. In 2005, Russia launched Iran's first satellite, Sina-1, and has since assisted in the development of Iran's space program. The launch of the two Khayyam satellites marks a significant step in this partnership, as Iran will now have its own satellites for Earth observation and data collection.

Boosting Iran's Technological Capabilities

The Khayyam satellites will provide Iran with a range of benefits. They will allow the country to monitor its natural resources, improve agricultural practices, and track environmental changes. The satellites will also enhance Iran's ability to respond to natural disasters and provide early warning of threats to national security.

Deepening Strategic Ties amid Global Tensions

The launch of the Khayyam satellites comes at a time of heightened tensions between Iran and the West over Tehran's nuclear program. Russia's decision to launch the satellites despite these tensions highlights the close ties between the two countries and their shared interest in countering Western influence.

Technical Specifications of the Khayyam Satellites

The Khayyam satellites are based on Russia's Kanopus-V platform and are equipped with high-resolution cameras capable of capturing images with a resolution of up to 1 meter. The satellites are expected to have a lifespan of at least five years.

Launch Details and International Implications

The Khayyam satellites are scheduled to be launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Tuesday using a Soyuz-2.1b rocket. The launch will be closely watched by international observers as it represents a significant milestone in Iran's space program and a further deepening of ties between Russia and Iran.