Iran on December 6, 2024 conducted a successful space launch using its Simorgh program, a satellite-carrying rocket that had had a series of failed launches. It was launched at Iran’s Imam Khomeini Spaceport in rural Semnan province.
Key points
- The Simorgh carried what Iran described as an “orbital propulsion system,” as well as two research systems to a 400-kilometer (250-mile) orbit above the Earth.
- A system that could change the orbit of a spacecraft would allow Iran to geo-synchronize the orbits of its satellites.
- Iran also put the payload of the Simorgh at 300 kilograms (660 pounds), heavier than its previous successful launches.
- The United States has previously said Iran’s satellite launches defy a U.N. Security Council resolution. It called to undertake no activity involving ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons.
- U.N. sanctions related to Iran’s ballistic missile program expired in October 2023.
- Intercontinental ballistic missiles can be used to deliver nuclear weapons. Iran is now producing uranium close to weapons-grade levels after the collapse of its nuclear deal with world powers.
