Iran Launches Nahid-2 Satellite With Russian Soyuz Rocket

Photo: AP

On Friday, Iranian state television announced that a Russian rocket had launched an Iranian communications satellite into space. This event is seen as a big success for Iran’s growing space programme. The satellite, called Nahid-2, was sent into orbit from Russia’s Vostochny Cosmodrome using a Soyuz rocket.

Details About The Satellite

According to the broadcaster, the Nahid-2 satellite weighs around 110 kilograms, which is nearly 240 pounds. It was completely designed and made by Iranian engineers. The launch shows that Iran is continuing to develop its own space technology despite facing many restrictions and worries from other countries.

The Nahid-2 satellite is a communications satellite, which means it will help in sending and receiving signals. It will be used for better communication networks inside Iran. Having their own satellite also helps Iran become more independent in the field of technology and telecommunications.

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Why Western Countries Are Worried

Many Western governments have been worried about Iran’s space programme for a long time. They fear that the technology used to build and launch satellites can also be used to improve Iran’s ballistic missiles. Ballistic missiles are powerful rockets that can carry weapons over long distances. Some countries think that Iran might use its space research to make stronger missiles in the future.

Iran’s Previous Space Achievements

This is not the first time Iran has launched a satellite. In December last year, Iran announced that it had launched its heaviest payload to date into space. They used a satellite carrier that was fully made in Iran for this launch. A payload is the cargo or satellite that a rocket carries into space. Launching a heavy payload is a big achievement for any country’s space programme because it shows that their rockets are becoming stronger.

Also, in September, Iran launched another satellite called Chamran-1. This was a research satellite, and it was put into orbit using the Ghaem-100 carrier rocket. The Ghaem-100 rocket is produced by the aerospace division of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This shows that Iran’s military is also involved in their space projects.

Nuclear Talks Happening Alongside The Launch

Interestingly, the launch of Nahid-2 was announced just before important nuclear talks between Iran and three European countries – Britain, France, and Germany. These talks started in Istanbul on Friday morning. The meeting is the first one since the recent conflicts between Israel and Iran in June.

In mid-June, Israel carried out attacks on Iran, which led to 12 days of fighting. During this conflict, the United States intervened and attacked some of Iran’s nuclear sites to support Israel. Now, these nuclear talks are being held to discuss Iran’s nuclear programme and to prevent further tension in the region.

Iran’s Stand On Its Nuclear Programme

Iran has always said that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes only, such as producing electricity and conducting research. However, many countries, including the US and European nations, think that Iran might be trying to build nuclear weapons. This is why there have been many rounds of talks over the years to stop Iran from enriching uranium to high levels. Enriching uranium is a process that can be used to make nuclear fuel or nuclear weapons.

The Purpose Of Nahid-2 Satellite

According to Iranian officials, the main aim of the Nahid-2 satellite is to improve Iran’s communication network. It can also help in emergency situations like earthquakes or floods by giving better communication links when normal networks fail. This will help rescue teams to work faster during disasters.

The satellite is expected to stay in orbit for a long time and will provide important data to Iran’s space and communications agencies. It also shows that Iranian engineers are becoming more skilled in designing, building, and launching advanced satellites.

Russia’s Role In The Launch

Russia helped Iran by launching this satellite from its Vostochny Cosmodrome, which is a spaceport in Russia’s far east. The Soyuz rocket used for this mission is one of the world’s most reliable rockets. This partnership between Iran and Russia shows that the two countries are working closely in the field of space and technology. Russia has always been a strong space power, and its help gives Iran a chance to send its satellites into orbit more safely.

Global Reactions

After the announcement of the launch, many Western leaders expressed concern once again. They said that while the satellite is meant for communication, the same technology can be used for military purposes. However, Iran denied these claims and said that its space programme is only for peaceful and scientific reasons.

Some experts believe that Iran is showing the world that it is moving forward with its technology, no matter what restrictions or sanctions are put against it. They also say that by launching satellites with the help of Russia, Iran is strengthening its ties with countries that are not allied with the West.

What Does This Mean For The Future?

With the launch of Nahid-2, Iran has proven that it is capable of building and designing advanced satellites. It also shows that it has partners like Russia who are willing to help in launching these satellites. This can encourage Iran to plan for more satellites in the future.

At the same time, these developments may lead to more tension between Iran and Western countries, especially those who fear Iran’s growing missile capabilities. However, Iran continues to say that its space missions are peaceful and focused on helping its people with better communication and disaster management.

In the end, the launch of the Nahid-2 satellite is a big step for Iran’s space programme. It was built by Iranian engineers and launched with Russian help. While Western countries are worried about Iran’s intentions, Iran says it will continue to improve its space technology for the benefit of its citizens. As nuclear talks continue in Istanbul, the world will be watching closely to see how Iran’s space and nuclear programmes develop in the coming years.