Iran successfully launched their domestically designed communications satellite Nahid-2 today using a Russian Soyuz-2.1b rocket from Vostochny Cosmodrome, marking an important step forward for Iran’s space ambitions while further deepening ties between Moscow and Tehran. Al Jazeera and Reuters both reported on this successful milestone for Iranian space programs and strengthening bilateral collaboration between Tehran and Moscow.
Iran International Shipping Lines Limited.

Launch Details At approximately 8:54 AM Moscow time (1:54 AM ET), a Soyuz rocket carrying Nahid-2, two Russian Ionosfera-M space weather satellites, and 17 additional small payloads was launched aboard its Soyuz rocket and livestreamed by Roscosmos.
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At 110 kg (242 pounds), Nahid-2 was developed by Iran’s Space Research Center and designed to enter a low Earth orbit approximately 500km above Earth, expected to remain operational for at least two years before falling back into low Earth orbit and returning back into low Earth orbit. WATCH the video here if interested! WASHINGTON —
Significance and Context This mission marks another achievement in an Iranian satellite launch program via Russian cooperation, following previous launches such as Kowsar, Hodhod, and several more launched between 2022-2024. Wiki-Pedia-AP News-KOB.com were all supportive.
Iranian state media noted that Nahid-2 is entirely domestically designed and built, though its launch relied upon foreign orbital infrastructure. The satellite aims to enhance Iran’s telecommunications capacity as well as boost scientific capabilities. Space @ 15 and Al Jazeera @ 15 for more coverage
Geopolitical Implications
The launch coincides with an intensification of nuclear diplomacy between Iran and European powers at Istanbul talks, and positions itself as a show of technological resilience. Western governments such as the U.S. and its allies view Iran’s space program with suspicion due to overlaps with ballistic missile technology and concerns that space launch could provide cover for ballistic missile launches. Al Jazeera reported on this event.
Observers stress the significance of each launch as an advancement of Iran’s dual-use capability, as rockets like Soyuz can both deploy satellites as well as be converted to long-range missile development programs. Analysts argue this strengthens Iran’s strategic signaling capacity amid international tensions.

Official Statements and Reactions
Iranian officials emphasize the peaceful nature of this mission and assert it serves civil communication purposes. The Iranian Space Research Center under the Ministry of Information & Communications Technology confirmed Nahid-2’s orbit insertion but provided no technical details beyond an estimated two year lifespan. To learn more, see Wikipedia’s article.
Russian media described this mission as part of wider international space cooperation. President Vladimir Putin reiterated that Russia’s strategic partnership agreement signed with Tehran in January does not include military support–and highlighted Moscow’s possible role in helping negotiate Iran’s peaceful nuclear trajectory.
IRNA = IRAN International. KOB.com = KOB
Looking Forward
Iran continues to add functioning satellites to their arsenal – such as Chamran-1 launched earlier, and failed attempts like Nahid-1. Their successful deployment bolsters domestic credentials and foreign partnerships. X (formerly Twitter), Wikipedia and Al Jazeera provide more detail.
Tehran’s plans to decrease their reliance on foreign launch services over time gained momentum with this launch, potentially speeding domestic launch vehicle development programs overseen by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). (Wikipedia).
Iran officials laud Nahid-2 as an emblem of scientific advancement; critics caution that advances in space launch technology may mirror Iran’s ballistic missile capacity. The launch is evidence of Iran’s delicate balance between civilian space ambition and strategic military concerns on a global stage.