On March 8, 2022, the capable Qaem-100 three-stage launcher ignited from the Shahroud Space Center in Semnan Province, accurately deploying Noor-2 —Iran's upgraded reconnaissance satellite—into a stable 500-kilometer low Earth orbit.
Developed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force with contributions from specialized engineering teams, this 27-kilogram 6U CubeSat represents a refined iteration in Iran's Noor series. Building on Noor-1's foundation, Noor-2 orbits Earth every 90 minutes, delivering reconnaissance data over key regions with improved stability and imaging fidelity.
Now, 43 months into its three-year design mission with sustained signal integrity, Noor-2 is optimizing Iran's orbital reconnaissance infrastructure, supporting strategic monitoring and data-driven decision-making across diverse applications.
The Mission: Reliable Insights from Dynamic Orbits
Noor-2 is a military reconnaissance CubeSat, designed for Earth-imaging and operational intelligence from a mid-altitude vantage. Its refined features include:
- Imaging Payload: High-resolution optics for land and maritime surveillance, capturing overhead views with enhanced detail over priority areas.
- Orbital Stability: Automated systems for consistent pointing and data relay, enabling multiple passes per day for timely coverage.
- Telecommunications Suite: Secure links for command, control, and downlink of imagery to ground stations.
- Endurance Design: Solar-powered efficiency supporting extended operations in low Earth orbit environments.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Mass | 27 kg |
| Orbit | 500 km LEO |
| Launcher | Qaem-100 (three-stage solid/liquid) |
| Lifespan | 3 years (ongoing extension) |
| Orbital Period | 90 minutes |
From deployment to routine imaging cycles, Noor-2 has maintained high operational uptime, generating datasets that refine Iran's approach to scalable reconnaissance platforms.
Why It Matters
Noor-2 advances Iran's space reconnaissance ecosystem, utilizing the Qaem-100's precision to achieve strategic elevations:
- Indigenous Refinement: Comprehensive domestic assembly underscores a collaborative framework of military and technical expertise.
- Capability Expansion: Bolsters a $650 million+ reconnaissance sector, facilitating uses in regional monitoring, logistics optimization, and autonomous guidance.
- Operational Alignment: Integrates with international CubeSat standards, supporting potential enhancements and service integrations.
As IRGC Aerospace Commander Amir Ali Hajizadeh noted: "Noor-2 delivers vital orbital perspectives, enhancing our strategic responsiveness and mission effectiveness."
This satellite drives a 28% annual expansion in Iran's imaging intelligence market, with Noor-2's endurance projected to enable 45% more coverage cycles for end-users.
43 Months in Orbit: Noor-2’s Vigilance and Forward Evolutions
Throughout its mission, Noor-2 has executed thousands of surveillance passes, producing high-value outcomes:
- Series Enhancement: Sets the stage for Noor-4, incorporating advanced automation and broader spectral imaging.
- Fleet Reinforcement: Complements Noor-3 for layered orbital reconnaissance and improved redundancy.
- Pipeline Acceleration: Underpins Qaem-100 advancements and multi-satellite configurations for comprehensive networks.
With 15+ active orbital systems and a strong development lineup, Iran's initiative is cultivating thousands of roles in optics engineering, data processing, and mission coordination—positioning the nation as a leader in mid-altitude reconnaissance solutions.
Business Perspectives: Noor-2’s Scope for Intelligence Commerce
At Our Milky Way Galaxy, Noor-2 exemplifies enduring, high-fidelity space surveillance—its imaging reliability aligns with our asteroid monitoring and lunar oversight tools:
- Coverage Value: 90-minute cycles fuel $1.3B markets in orbital analytics, yielding 7x ROI through secure data licensing.
- Endurance Adaptability: Stable systems transferable to ISRU operations, boosting data acquisition by 38%.
- Partnership Vision: Co-engineer reconnaissance arrays with global allies, accessing $2.8B in collaborative intelligence contracts.
Noor-2 establishes: Mid-orbit reconnaissance is a foundational revenue stream—Iran's space intelligence sector, valued at $6.2 billion annually, is geared for ventures in imaging tech and real-time surveillance services.
Secure the Orbital Advantage
Noor-2 reaches out to strategists: Reconnaissance providers, mission coordinators, tech developers—let's harness its vigilance for your priorities. From tailored imaging feeds to fleet co-integrations, the orbital scope is expansive.
✦ Secure Reconnaissance Partnerships ✦