Iran - Kowsar observation nano-satellite
Kowsar is an observation nano-satellite with an imaging resolution of 3.5 meters per pixel, which can be used for agricultural purposes, surveying and demarcation. The satellite has an orbital lifespan of two years. The Hodhod satellite has uses in the area of the Internet of Things as well as agriculture, transportation and crisis management scenarios, according to the report.
Therefore, with the help of this satellite, very up-to-date, accurate and real-time images of the earth's surface are recorded. Various applications such as monitoring natural hazards, estimating the area under cultivation of agricultural products, monitoring borders, road traffic, seas and ports, monitoring water resources and mineral explorations come from this class of satellites.
Kowsar and Hodhod, built by an Iranian consortium of knowledge-based companies, are planned to be sent into an orbit 500 km above the Earth's surface by a foreign launch vehicle. Omidfaza is the first private company in the design and manufacture of sensing and telecommunication satellites, the designer and implementer of the three-view satellite system, the accelerator of hardware and software projects in space-based and space-oriented technologies and application.
The knowledge-based company "Omid Fezah" is a company in the field of air and space, which was founded by Dr. Hossein Shahrabi Farahani, the CEO of this company in 2017. Among the responsibilities and records of Dr. Shahrabi in the space field was the director of the Omid National Satellite Project, the director of the Fajr Satellite Project and the head of Sairan Space Group.
| Kausar satellite | |
| weight | 30 kg |
| orbital life | 3.6 years |
| orbital height | 500 km |
| Mission | Agriculture and mapping |
| Color image range | 15 km |
| Imaging rate | 6 frames per second |
Mustafa Aghili, Executive Director of Space Consortium, told reporters 04 February 2024 : In order to implement this project, we were able to pre-sell the images of the "Kotsar" satellite by interacting with some institutions, and finally we were able to complete it with collective investment. Design and build.
The executive director of this company pointed out: Recently, the Space Organization pre-purchased the images of the "Kotsar" satellite by concluding a contract. This organization has obtained from us a guarantee of the correct functioning of the satellite, but this organization took a step in a space where no one supported us and started cooperation with private space companies. He emphasized: On the other hand, when we succeeded in building the "Kotsar" satellite, some groups did not pay attention to us because they thought that we did not have the ability to build satellites.
The head of the consortium of knowledge-based companies active in the space field, referring to the latest state of preparation of the "Kotsar" satellite for a foreign launcher, said 19 November 2023: "This satellite was supposed to be launched this December, but the main cargo of the Soyuz rocket with which the "Kotsar" satellite is supposed to be launched, has been delayed and as a result the launch time of this Iranian satellite has been delayed. In an interview with ISNA, Dr. Hossein Shahrabi, referring to the details of the "Kotsar" satellite, said: "Kotsar" satellite, which was designed and built by several knowledge-based companies, is in the final stages of integration and testing, and compatibility tests have been carried out since a month ago. We also did it with the launcher.
He considered the compatibility tests of the launcher to include mechanical and electrical tests and stated: the successful confirmation of these tests was communicated by the launcher. Shahrabi pointed out: We bound ourselves to carry out a successful 300-hour test before launching the satellite, but a week ago, the launcher informed us of another area and apparently the main cargo of the Soyuz rocket, which is supposed to be the "Kotsar" satellite. to be launched with it, it has been delayed, and as a result, the launch time of "Kotsar" satellite has been delayed.
The head of this knowledge-based consortium considered the "Kotsar" satellite to be a remote sensing satellite and reminded: this satellite with openable solar panels, has sensors with visible light and NIR (near infrared), whose visible light specification is 3.4 meters. And its NIR is about 5.5 meters. The reason for the 6-month delay in the launch of the "Kotsar" satellite from Russia's Vostochny base/explanation of the latest state of preparation.
He added: Usually, satellites with visible light and NIR sensors are expected to be used in the field of agriculture, because by using these satellites, 80% of the required agricultural services can be provided. Shahrabi mentioned Russia's "Vostochny" space base as the "Kotsar" satellite launch base and reminded: "This launch base is located at the extreme end of Russia."
Referring to domestic launch bases, this researcher explained: Chabahar launch base is being developed and other launch bases such as Semnan, although it is possible to launch satellites in it, but the development in this private sector company is based on the developments of international markets and trying We are being considered as one of the serious players in the global market.
The reason for the 6-month delay in the launch of the "Kotsar" satellite from Russia's Vostochny base/explanation of the latest state of preparation The head of this private sector consortium reminded: One of the fields that can help us in this field is international launches; Therefore, international launchers are a higher priority for us, although domestic launchers are not out of our priorities either.
Regarding the latest status of the preparation of the "Kotsar" satellite, he said: "We are conducting a test and consolidation test on the flight sample of this satellite, and it has not been completed yet, and the reason for this delay is our sensitivity to conducting 300 hours of successful testing without interruption. It is not over yet.
Shahrabi stated that all the necessary tests on this satellite have been done in Russia and its approvals have been issued, stating that "Kotsar" has no other tests and tests in Russia.
In response to the question, when was the launch and delivery time of the "Kotsar" satellite to Russia, he said: The time previously announced for the launch of "Kotsar" was December of this year, and since there was a delay in the launch rocket. The launch of this satellite will be delayed by 6 months, but no specific time has been announced for its launch.
Mustafa Aghili, the executive director of the Iranian satellite manufacturing firm OmidFaza, disclosed 04 February 2024 the eagerly awaited launch schedule for the private satellites Kowsar and Hodhod, stating that the ambitious venture is set to take place in May-June 2024. "After successfully registering the Omid satellite project in our portfolio, OmidFaza decided to continue satellite manufacturing privately. Therefore, we initiated the design and construction of the Kowsar satellite," Aghili explained, addressing reporters.
"To execute this project," Aghili continued, "we were able to pre-sell images of the Kowsar satellite through collaboration with some institutions, and ultimately, it was designed and built with collective investment." Highlighting recent developments, Aghili pointed out, "Recently, the Space Organization, by signing a contract, pre-purchased images of the Kowsar satellite and secured the satellite's functionality."
Emphasizing the growing confidence in OmidFaza, Aghili noted, "On the other hand, others observed our capabilities and gradually gained confidence in us." Aghili revealed, "Based on this, an organization commissioned us to design and build the Hodhod satellite, making it the client of the Hodhod satellite project."
"If the Hodhod project is completed," he added, "the path for integrating these satellites will open up." Referring to the launch plans, Aghili explained, "It is planned that the Kowsar and Hodhod satellites will be placed in orbit by a foreign launcher."
"The construction of the Kowsar satellite took 4 years," Aghili highlighted, "and with the experience gained from this satellite, we were able to build the Hodhod satellite in one year." Aghili added, "Currently, these two satellites are in the assembly testing phase."
Regarding the launch time, Aghili reminded, "These two satellites were supposed to be launched in Azar (November-December) of the current year, but their launch time has been delayed by 6 months."
He added, "We conducted a test phase in Russia with the hope that these satellites would be launched in Azar of the current year, but the launch was delayed. If it is supposed to take place in Khordad (May-June) of next year, once again, in Ordibehesht (April) of next year, we will assemble the satellite in Russia and perform the necessary tests."
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