Tehran, Iran—Iran marked a significant achievement in its aerospace endeavors by launching the Chamran-1 research satellite into orbit early Saturday morning. The launch, executed with the domestically produced Qaem-100 rocket, represents a crucial step in Iran’s expanding space capabilities.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the semi-official Fars news agency reported that the three-stage, solid-fuel Qaem-100 rocket successfully deployed the Chamran-1 satellite. This satellite, weighing nearly 60 kg, was collaboratively designed and built by Iran Electronics Industries, the country’s Aerospace Research Institute, and various private tech firms.

The primary mission of Chamran-1 is to test both software and hardware systems essential for orbital maneuvering. Additionally, the satellite aims to assess the performance of its cold gas propulsion subsystems, navigation, and attitude control systems. These tests are critical for validating technologies that Iran intends to use in future space endeavors.

The launch was notably the second operation utilizing the Qaem-100 carrier rocket, which was designed and developed by the Aerospace Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps. Chamran-1, now operating from an orbit 550 km above Earth, has successfully transmitted its first signals back to ground control, as confirmed by Iran’s official news agency IRNA.