Iran Unveils Plans for 24-Satellite 'Martyr Soleimani' Constellation

Iran is preparing to take a significant step in the evolution of its national space program with plans to deploy its first narrow-band satellite constellation, a project known as the Martyr Soleimani Constellation. According to the Iranian Space Agency (ISA), the initial phase of the program will include 24 satellites, positioning the country to expand its domestic satellite communications capabilities while advancing more sophisticated launch technologies.

The announcement, made by Hassan Salariyeh, head of the Iranian Space Agency, highlights Iran's broader strategy to strengthen indigenous satellite manufacturing, increase the number of operational spacecraft in orbit, and develop the infrastructure needed for future large-scale space missions.

First Constellation Takes Shape

The first deployment phase will comprise 18 operational satellites supported by six backup spacecraft intended for orbital deployment. The prototype of the constellation was unveiled on February 3, 2026, during Iran's National Space Technology Day.

According to the ISA, development of the constellation's major subsystems has been completed, while assembly work continues on the remaining satellites. Launch activities are expected to begin during the 2026–2027 timeframe, subject to the readiness of the required launch vehicles.

The constellation represents one of Iran's most ambitious communications satellite projects to date and forms part of a broader national effort to expand domestic space-based services.

Multi-Satellite Launch Capability Becomes a Strategic Priority

Beyond the satellites themselves, Iranian officials emphasized that one of the country's primary technical objectives is mastering simultaneous deployment of multiple satellites from a single launch vehicle.

While Iran has previously demonstrated multi-satellite orbital insertions between 2022 and 2024, officials say the upcoming constellation requires a more advanced capability capable of accurately deploying several satellites during a single mission.

Achieving reliable multiple-payload insertion would represent an important milestone for future constellation deployments and could support more efficient access to orbit for upcoming national space missions.

Broader Investments Across Iran's Space Infrastructure

The satellite constellation is only one component of a much larger development program underway across Iran's space sector.

According to the Iranian Space Agency, current investments include:

• Expansion of satellite control centers

• Development of launch facilities

• New satellite integration and testing centers

• Specialized laboratories

• Satellite design and manufacturing programs

• Satellite data and Earth observation services

The agency also confirmed continued development of Nahid-2, the next-generation communications satellite currently under construction at the Iranian Space Research Center.

In parallel, engineers have begun work on another communications satellite specifically designed to support future constellation-based services.

Earth Observation Missions Continue to Expand

Iran is also moving forward with several Earth observation programs aimed at strengthening domestic imaging capabilities.

Among the next spacecraft scheduled for launch are:

• Pars-2, an Earth observation satellite expected to deliver imagery with better than three-meter resolution.

• Rad-1, which is expected to become Iran's first radar imaging satellite.

Officials say increasing the number of satellites in orbit will reduce revisit times for imaging missions, improving the availability of geospatial data for government planning, infrastructure monitoring, environmental applications, and disaster management.

Development is also continuing on future satellites including Pars-3 and Rad-2, while private companies are increasingly participating in the production of lightweight micro- and nanosatellites.

Roadmap Toward Geostationary Orbit

Iran also outlined its long-term strategy for eventually reaching Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) at approximately 36,000 kilometers above Earth.

The roadmap consists of three major development phases:

Advanced GEO-capable satellites

Future spacecraft, including Nahid-3, are expected to incorporate more sophisticated communications, navigation, and high-altitude control technologies required for geostationary operations.

Orbital Transfer Vehicles

Iran plans to develop liquid-fueled—and eventually cryogenic-fueled—orbital transfer vehicles capable of transporting satellites from parking orbit to geostationary orbit. These vehicles are also expected to support future constellation deployment and multi-satellite missions.

Heavy-Lift Launch Vehicles

The final component involves continued development of larger launch systems, including the Ghaem-120 and Simorgh rockets, which would be capable of delivering satellites and orbital transfer vehicles into initial parking orbits before transfer to GEO.

Growing Role for the Private Sector

A notable feature of Iran's latest space strategy is its increased emphasis on commercial participation.

Officials indicated that greater involvement from domestic private companies is expected to reduce development costs, stimulate technological innovation, increase competition, and accelerate adoption of advanced technologies, including cryogenic propulsion systems.

The government also sees commercial participation as an important step toward creating a more sustainable national space industry while supporting future international cooperation where possible.

Strategic Outlook

The planned satellite constellation reflects Iran's continuing investment in sovereign space capabilities amid growing global competition in satellite communications and Earth observation.

If successfully deployed, the 24-satellite network would represent the country's first operational communications constellation and provide valuable experience in constellation management, multi-satellite launch operations, and future orbital infrastructure development. Together with planned Earth observation satellites, next-generation launch vehicles, and a long-term roadmap toward geostationary orbit, the initiative underscores Iran's broader objective of expanding its independent access to space and strengthening the technical foundations of its national space program.