Pars - Earth Observation System
Iran successfully launched its Pars-1 research and remote sensing satellite into orbit, placing it 500 kilometers above Earth’s surface. The satellite was launched from Russia's Vostochny Cosmodrome spaceport using a Soyuz launcher, marking a significant milestone in Iran's space program. The Pars-1 satellite weighs 134 kilograms and is equipped with three imaging cameras. The design, construction, assembly, and testing phases of the research satellite Pars-1 were completed at the Iranian Space Research Institute.
The satellite's primary mission includes practical imaging, developing the market for domestic remote sensing data, and testing technologies for future operational satellites. Pars-1's capabilities allow it to image 95% of Iran's territory in less than 100 days, with its thermal infrared camera capable of imaging the entire country in less than 45 days, even at night.
The Pars-1 satellite is also tasked with several other missions, including testing the functionality of deployable solar panels, assessing orbit correction using cold gas thrusters, evaluating independent satellite positioning capabilities without GPS through indigenous methods, examining the effectiveness of power generation, conversion, and distribution systems in orbit utilizing deployable solar panels and home-made batteries, conducting high-rate image data transmission in the X-band frequency, and measuring space radiation levels in orbit using a dedicated dosimeter payload.
The technologies integrated into the Pars-1 satellite encompass a communication link operating in the V/UHF frequency band, a wideband communication link in the S-band frequency band, a communication link in the X-band frequency band, GPS and ODS position determination sensors, solar and star sensors, a magnetometer sensor, a gyroscopic sensor, space radiation measurement sensors, a thermal tube, hardware components, and software structures for managing various operational modes and solar panels. These technological advancements will serve as the foundation for the country's forthcoming operational satellites.
Iran's Space Agency has unveiled a plan to launch the Pars-2 satellite by the end of the upcoming Iranian calendar year, which concludes on March 21, 2025.
Head of Iran's Space Agency Hassan Salariyeh confirmed that the design and construction of the Pars-2 satellite will be finalized within the next year, ensuring its readiness for launch. The Pars-2 satellite is distinguished by its remarkable imaging accuracy of 8 meters. Salariyeh made these remarks during a press conference held following the successful launch of the Pars-1 satellite. He highlighted that Pars-1 was launched into orbit by the Russian Soyuz satellite carrier, accompanied by nearly 18 other primary satellites.
Salariyeh underscored the competitive landscape of global satellite launches, and elaborated on the Pars satellite, characterizing it as an optical imaging satellite tailored for capturing high-resolution images of Earth's surface, with resolutions spanning 5 to 15 meters. These capabilities render it invaluable for applications in meteorology and agriculture.
Salariyeh reaffirmed the agency's dedication to serving various industries, citing ongoing satellite projects like Pars-1, Tolou-3, Zafar-2, Pars-2, and Pars-3, each tailored with specific resolutions for distinct purposes. He disclosed that out of the recent 11 launches, 10 were domestic, with the twelfth being international. Despite the delay, Pars-1 was successfully launched.
Looking ahead, Salariyeh expressed optimism about future launches from the Chabahar Space Center, stating, "God willing, from next year, we will have sun-synchronous launches." He concluded by restating the completion timeline for Pars-2's design and construction, highlighting its 8-meter imaging accuracy.
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