Iran strengthens space cooperation with China as new lunar and satellite missions advance

Iran is taking new steps to expand its space exploration and satellite capabilities, with the Iranian Space Agency announcing new launches and deeper international cooperation, including participation in China’s Chang’e-8 lunar mission. This is reported by Mehr News Agency, a partner of TV BRICS.

Experts claimed that one of the most significant initiatives involves the development of bio-capsules and reusable research platforms designed for suborbital and orbital experiments. These platforms will allow scientists to study radiation, pressure, and temperature effects in space environments. Following the successful launch of a 500-kilogram capsule in 2023, research on the next-generation version is already under way, with subsystem tests scheduled soon.

Iran’s collaboration with China on the Chang’e-8 lunar project has reached the end of its design phase, and engineering models are set to be built.

The country is also advancing its Earth observation and communications satellite programmes. After the successful launches of the Pars-1 and Nahid-2 satellites, upgraded versions are nearing completion. The Pars-2 satellite is undergoing final testing, while the design of Pars-3, with sub-metre imaging resolution, has begun. Additionally, work continues on the radar satellite Rad-2, capable of capturing 20-metre-resolution images.

Several launches are planned for the coming months, including the remote-sensing satellites Zafar-2 and Paya using foreign launch vehicles, and a test launch of a new Nahid-2 prototype aboard a domestically built Simorgh launcher.

Photo: mikdam / iStock