Russian Soyuz rocket successfully launched two Iranian satellites:
A Russian Soyuz rocket successfully launched two Iranian satellites, Kowsar and Hodhod, into orbit from the Vostochny Cosmodrome.
- Moscow and Tehran have been deepening their ties in defense, technology, and energy, planning to establish a “comprehensive strategic partnership” during Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s upcoming visit to Russia.
- Both countries have faced Western accusations that Iran is supplying Russia with explosive drones for use in Ukraine, although both have denied this.
- Iranian Satellites:
- Kowsar: Developed for Earth observation to support environmental monitoring and agriculture.
- Hodhod: Aimed at gathering data for research and development to strengthen Iran’s private space sector.
- Khayyam and Pars-1, launched in 2022 and 2023, were part of Iran’s national space expansion for civilian purposes.
