Amid accusations from the US and European nations of supplying ballistic missiles to Russia, Iran launched a research satellite into orbit on Saturday using a rocket developed by the Revolutionary Guards, according to state media.
The launch coincides with accusations from the West that Iran is supplying ballistic missiles to Russia, which could be used in the war against Ukraine in the coming weeks—claims Iran has denied.
The Chamran-1 satellite was launched aboard the Qaem-100 rocket, successfully reaching a 550-kilometer (340-mile) orbit, with its initial signals received.
The solid-fuel rocket, designed by the Revolutionary Guards' Aerospace Force, carried the 60 kg (132-pound) satellite, whose main mission is to test hardware and software for orbital manoeuvring technology, according to state media.
In January, Iranian outlets reported the Sorayya satellite's launch into a 750 km orbit, Iran's highest to date.
The US military asserts that the technology used in Iran's satellite launches could also facilitate the development of long-range weapons, potentially including nuclear warheads. However, Iran denies this, maintaining that it has never sought to develop nuclear weapons.
Despite Western pressure and sanctions on its space sector, Iran has successfully conducted satellite launches in recent years.
Iran Accused by US And Europe Of Exporting Ballistic Missiles To Russia
The country has consistently asserted that advancing aerospace technology for peaceful purposes is its legitimate right. In January, Iran achieved a milestone by launching three satellites simultaneously for the first time using a new satellite carrier developed by the Iranian Defense Ministry.
According to a recent Sky News report, satellite images have shown a Russian-flagged cargo ship, suspected of carrying ballistic missiles from Iran, docked at a Russian port about a week ago.
A Ukrainian source informed Sky News that the Port Olya 3 vessel had transported approximately 220 short-range ballistic missiles across the Caspian Sea to Russia for use in its conflict with Ukraine.