{"id":50318,"date":"2024-01-20T17:28:06","date_gmt":"2024-01-20T17:28:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/iran-launches-sorayya-satellite-sets-new-record-the-express-tribune\/"},"modified":"2024-01-20T17:28:06","modified_gmt":"2024-01-20T17:28:06","slug":"iran-launches-sorayya-satellite-sets-new-record-the-express-tribune","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/news\/iran-launches-sorayya-satellite-sets-new-record-the-express-tribune\/","title":{"rendered":"Iran launches Sorayya satellite, sets ‘new record’ | The Express Tribune"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\nTEHRAN:
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Iran on Saturday announced the successful launch of a satellite into the highest orbit yet amid escalating tension with the West over its ballistic missile program.<\/p>\n

In a statement published by state media, the aerospace unit of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) said it launched into orbit the Sorayya satellite with an indigenous Qaem 100 satellite carrier.<\/p>\n

The satellite with a 50 kg payload was placed into an orbit 750 kilometres (460 miles) above the Earth’s surface by a three-stage Qaem 100 carrier, which is equipped to carry up to 100 kg, Communications and Information Technology Minister Isa Zarepour told state media.<\/p>\n

The launch ceremony was among others attended by IRGC commander Maj. Gen. Hossein Salami and the chief of IRGC\u2019s aerospace division, Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh.<\/p>\n

According to Iran’s state media, the launch set a “new record” in the country’s space program as it was placed in the 750-km orbit, more than previous launches.<\/p>\n

The launch of Sorayya is part of IRGC\u2019s space program which has been a source of concern in the West.<\/p>\n

Read also:\u00a0Iran launches air defence drill amid rising regional tensions<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Iran\u2019s satellite launches have often been criticized by the US, linking them with the country\u2019s ballistic missile program, claiming that it violates the Security Council resolution.<\/p>\n

Tehran has rejected such claims, saying satellite launches are intended to help in research and agricultural activities.<\/p>\n

In September last year, the country launched the imaging satellite Noor-3 into orbit 450 kilometres (280 miles) above the Earth\u2019s surface with a Qassed launch vehicle.<\/p>\n

Qassed was also used by the IRGC to launch the previous version of the satellite Noor-2 in March 2022, placing it into orbit 500 kilometres (311 miles) from the Earth\u2019s surface.<\/p>\n

The latest launch comes days after Iran fired a barrage of ballistic missiles at Syria, Iraq and Pakistan, claiming to avenge recent attacks inside Iran and killing of IRGC commanders in Syria.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n