🇮🇷 Iranian Space Agency (ISA) – Iran’s National Space Organization

The Iranian Space Agency (ISA) is the primary governmental body responsible for coordinating and advancing Iran’s national space program, space science, technology, and satellite development. ISA was officially established on 28 February 2004 under Iranian law to oversee space science, remote sensing, and satellite launch activities for peaceful purposes. It operates under the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology and is guided by the Supreme Space Council, chaired by the President of Iran.  

Headquartered in Tehran, ISA coordinates satellite missions, related research, national space policy, and efforts to build indigenous satellite and launch capabilities. Despite a relatively modest annual budget compared with other national space agencies, Iran has achieved key milestones in satellite deployment and space technology development, making ISA a recognized participant in the global space community. 

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🚀 Core Roles & Responsibilities

ISA’s main functions include:

• Developing and implementing Iran’s national space strategy and space policy frameworks through the Supreme Space Council.  
• Designing, manufacturing, and operating satellites for Earth observation, communication, and space science.  
• Overseeing launch vehicle development and satellite launch operations using Iran’s domestic launch infrastructure and foreign partnerships.  
• Supporting scientific research and technological innovation in space science and engineering.  
• Fostering national and international collaboration with other space agencies and organizations.  

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📜 Historical Background

Iran’s involvement in space technology began with satellite data reception and remote sensing efforts in the 1960s and 1970s. However, it was not until 2004 that the Iranian Space Agency (ISA) was formally created to centralize and expand these activities.  

A pivotal achievement came in 2009, when the Omid satellite—designed and built domestically—was successfully placed into orbit aboard the ISA’s Safir launch vehicle. This made Iran one of the relatively few nations capable of independent orbital satellite launches. Since then, ISA has continued to develop satellite technology and launch capabilities, despite technological challenges and international geopolitical constraints.  

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🛰 Major Programs & Missions

ISA has developed and supported a range of space missions that contribute to Earth observation, communication, and scientific research:

• Omid (Hope) – Iran’s first domestically built research and communication satellite, successfully launched in 2009. 
• Navid – Experimental Earth observation satellite providing imagery and environmental data, launched in 2012. 
• Fajr – An optical imaging satellite launched in 2015 with experimental propulsion technologies.  
• Nahid‑2 – A telecommunications satellite developed by Iran and launched aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket in July 2025, demonstrating ongoing international cooperation.  

Beyond these, ISA continues developing satellites and preparing new missions, including enhanced Earth observation platforms and communications systems. 

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🚀 Launch Vehicles & Infrastructure

ISA oversees indigenous space launch vehicles and infrastructure development, including:

• Safir – A two‑stage launch vehicle that placed Iran’s first satellite into orbit.  
• Simorgh and others – Domestic launch vehicles in various stages of development or testing.  
• Chabahar Space Launch Base – A new spaceport under construction designed to support domestic and potentially international launches. 

These efforts aim to expand Iran’s ability to independently launch satellites and further develop its space technology ecosystem.  

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🌍 International Cooperation

International collaboration is a part of ISA’s space strategy:

• ISA partners with foreign agencies and space programs to support technology exchange, satellite launches, and research initiatives.  
• Recent cooperation includes launching satellites such as Nahid‑2 aboard Russian rockets, reflecting strategic scientific and technological ties.  

These partnerships help advance Iran’s space goals despite limitations from international sanctions and restricted access to some technologies.  

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🧭 Strategic Vision & Future Priorities

In the 2020s and beyond, ISA is focused on:

• Enhancing domestic satellite and launch capabilities to support national scientific and economic objectives.  
• Completing and operationalizing the Chabahar Space Launch Base for broader launch activity.  
• Developing more advanced satellite systems for Earth observation, communications, and research.  
• Supporting a sustainable Iranian space industry by encouraging space technology innovation and national technological self‑reliance.  

These priorities reflect ISA’s ambition to grow Iran’s presence in space and contribute to national scientific and development goals.

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✅ Summary

The Iranian Space Agency (ISA) serves as Iran’s leading space organization, managing national space policy, satellite development, launch systems, and scientific research. Despite funding and geopolitical challenges, ISA has achieved key milestones in satellite deployment and continues to pursue expanded capabilities, international cooperation, and strategic infrastructure development.