ALWAGHT- The Iranian Space Agency announced it will initiate the first test launches of the “Martyr Soleimani” narrowband constellation satellites before the close of the year, beginning a 20-satellite project expected to conclude by 2026.
Iranian Space Agency chief Hassan Salarieh announced that the Martyr Soleimani project will be the country’s first narrowband satellite constellation, designed entirely with local expertise to expand Internet of Things (IoT) services. The plan involves building and deploying about 20 satellites in varying orbital paths to deliver nationwide narrowband communications.
Salarieh noted that the constellation’s design phase began in late 2023, with most subsystems already under development. A consortium of private and state organizations is carrying out the project, with trial launches of prototype satellites expected this year.
The main batch of satellites is scheduled for construction in 2025, followed by large-scale launches through 2025 and 2026. While acknowledging possible delays due to technical challenges, Salarieh emphasized steady progress and said the constellation will form the backbone of Iran’s future telecommunications network.
