In a move highlighting the growing space collaboration between Iran and Russia, a Russian rocket successfully launches an Iranian satellite for environmental and agricultural monitoring, as space officials address an ISS air leak and North Korea demonstrates satellite control capabilities.
A Russian rocket has successfully launched an Iranian satellite into orbit from the Vostochny launch facility, marking a significant step in the cooperation between Moscow and Tehran. The launch, orchestrated by Russia’s Roscosmos corporation, involved the deployment of a 110-kilogram Iranian satellite equipped with three cameras for environmental and agricultural monitoring, among 18 other Russian satellites. This satellite, which will orbit the Earth’s poles and maintain a fixed position relative to the Sun, signifies the progression of Iran’s space program, with a total of 23 launches, including 12 under President Ebrahim Raisi’s administration.
In a separate development, Russian space officials have addressed an ongoing air leak in their segment of the International Space Station (ISS), assuring that it poses no threat to the crew’s safety. The leak, which has seen an increase but remains manageable, continues to be monitored with efforts underway to locate and seal any leakage points. This issue highlights the maintenance challenges faced by the ISS as it ages, alongside previous incidents such as coolant leaks attributed to probable meteoroid impacts. Despite geopolitical tensions, the ISS remains a key area of cooperation between Russia and Western partners, with the current crew including members from Nasa, the European Space Agency, Russia, and Japan.
Meanwhile, North Korea’s first spy satellite, the Malligyong-1, has demonstrated significant capabilities by changing its orbit, indicating Pyongyang’s control over it. Launched in November, after previous failed attempts, this development suggests North Korea’s growing proficiency in satellite technology, particularly in manoeuvring capabilities—a feature not present in its earlier satellites. Experts interpret these manoeuvres as North Korea’s efforts to prolong the satellite’s life and correct its position, rather than aggressive moves against other satellites. This comes amid plans by North Korea to launch three more spy satellites in 2024, underlining an expansion of its space capabilities.
