TEHRAN — Iran on Friday successfully placed its domestically designed and manufactured communications satellite, Nahid-2, into orbit aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket, marking another significant achievement for the country’s growing aerospace program.
The launch took place from Russia’s Vostochny Cosmodrome in the Russian Far East at 9:54 a.m. Tehran time on Friday. The Nahid-2 satellite, weighing approximately 110 kilograms, was carried alongside two Russian Earth observation satellites and several smaller payloads. 
The satellite is now orbiting the Earth at an altitude of around 500 kilometers, with a planned operational lifespan of two years.
The mission is the latest milestone in Iran’s steadily expanding space program, which continues to demonstrate the country’s ability to design, build, and operate advanced satellite technology. 
The Nahid-2 satellite, developed entirely by Iranian engineers, represents a new generation of telecommunications infrastructure that will enhance the country’s capabilities in space-based communication.
Over the past several years, Iran has made remarkable progress in aerospace technology, achieving several successful satellite launches and developing indigenous satellite carriers. 
The Nahid-2 mission follows earlier successes such as the launch of the Chamran-1 research satellite aboard Iran’s domestically produced Ghaem-100 carrier, as well as other key satellites like Kowsar, Hodhod, and Khayyam.
Iran’s commitment to advancing its space capabilities reflects a broader national strategy to develop scientific knowledge and technological self-sufficiency. The country has invested heavily in aerospace research and infrastructure, supported by talented engineers and scientists who have worked diligently to build a competitive space program.
Iran’s space program encompasses a variety of satellite applications, including telecommunications, Earth observation, and scientific research. 
By deploying satellites like Nahid-2, Iran aims to improve communication networks, enhance data transmission capabilities, and support national development in fields such as agriculture, environmental monitoring, and disaster management.
While Iran continues to develop its own satellite carriers such as Safir, Simorgh, and Zoljanah, it has also strategically utilized reliable international launch vehicles to deploy critical satellites. 
The Russian Soyuz rocket, renowned globally for its reliability and precision, has played a key role in several of Iran’s satellite missions, providing the necessary 
support for complex payloads and multi-satellite launches.
The Soyuz launch vehicle is capable of delivering heavy payloads
 to low Earth orbit, and its use has enabled Iran to efficiently place multiple satellites into orbit during a single mission. This approach helps optimize resources and accelerate the expansion of Iran’s satellite fleet.
While Iran pursues the development of its own launch vehicles and satellite technologies, cooperation with Russia remains central to its current space strategy. The Soyuz launcher not only provides technical assurance but also enables Iran to participate in multi-satellite launches, which reduce costs and increase operational flexibility.
Iran’s space achievements are a source of national pride and a testament to the country’s scientific progress. The successful launch of Nahid-2 highlights the maturity of Iran’s satellite design and manufacturing capabilities, as well as its growing expertise in satellite operations.
The country’s space program also emphasizes the development of skilled human capital, with universities and research centers nurturing future generations of aerospace engineers and scientists. These efforts contribute to Iran’s goal of becoming a regional leader in space technology.
Looking ahead, Iran plans to continue expanding its space program by launching additional satellites with increasingly advanced capabilities. The country is also investing in the development of new satellite carriers, aiming to achieve greater independence in space launch technologies.
Iran’s aerospace program remains focused on peaceful scientific and commercial applications, with a commitment to innovation and sustainable growth. The experience gained from successful satellite missions like Nahid-2 provides a strong foundation for future achievements.
Earlier this week, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) conducted a suborbital test of the Qased satellite carrier, highlighting efforts to enhance domestic launch capabilities.