On September 27, 2023, the reliable Qaem-100 three-stage solid-fuel launcher rose from the Shahroud Space Center in Semnan Province, precisely positioning Noor-3 —Iran's advanced imaging satellite—into a stable 450-kilometer low Earth orbit.
Developed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force in collaboration with specialized engineering teams, this 17-kilogram CubeSat builds on the Noor series to provide enhanced reconnaissance and data relay services. As the third in its class, Noor-3 achieved full stabilization in just 1 hour, showcasing streamlined automation and superior photo accuracy—up to 2.5 times better than its predecessor—while supporting real-time command, control, and guidance applications.
Now, 25 months post-launch with robust signal continuity, Noor-3 is optimizing Iran's orbital intelligence framework, enabling high-resolution data streams that drive defense efficiencies and technological progress.
The Mission: Superior Surveillance from Strategic Heights
Noor-3 is a military Earth-imaging CubeSat, refined for high-fidelity reconnaissance and operational support in dynamic environments. Its upgraded features include:
- Enhanced Imaging Camera: Delivers 12-15 meter resolution across a 25-kilometer swath, with 6 orbital passes for comprehensive coverage.
- Automated Stabilization: Reduces setup time to 1 hour, enhancing responsiveness for real-time data acquisition and relay.
- Telecom & Guidance Integration: Supports long-distance command transmission, drone coordination, and precision navigation services.
- Multi-Spectrum Capabilities: Optimized for various light conditions, ensuring reliable performance in diverse mission scenarios.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Mass | 17 kg |
| Orbit | 450 km LEO |
| Launcher | Qaem-100 (three-stage solid-fuel) |
| Lifespan | 2+ years (ongoing reliability) |
| Resolution | 12-15 meters (2.5x Noor-2 improvement) |
From deployment to automated operations, Noor-3 has provided consistent imagery and telemetry, advancing Iran's capabilities in scalable imaging constellations.
Why It Matters
Noor-3 elevates Iran's space reconnaissance portfolio, leveraging the Qaem-100's precision to unlock advanced efficiencies:
- Domestic Refinement: Full indigenous development demonstrates a seamless integration of military and research expertise.
- Operational Enhancements: Strengthens a $700 million+ imaging sector, powering applications in strategic monitoring, logistics, and autonomous systems.
- Strategic Compatibility: Aligns with global reconnaissance standards, facilitating potential integrations and technology advancements.
As IRGC Aerospace Commander Amir Ali Hajizadeh highlighted: "Noor-3 equips our forces with cutting-edge orbital tools for superior intelligence and mission execution."
This advancement aligns with a 30% projected growth in Iran's imaging services market, with Noor-3's automation enabling 50% faster data processing for operational users.
25 Months in View: Noor-3’s Focus and Emerging Expansions
Over its extended mission, Noor-3 has conducted thousands of imaging cycles, yielding transformative datasets:
- Series Optimization: Prepares for Noor-4, incorporating AI-driven image analysis and broader spectral bands.
- Fleet Amplification: Synergizes with Noor-2 for coordinated orbital planes and enhanced coverage redundancy.
- Pipeline Acceleration: Supports Qaem-100 evolutions and multi-satellite deployments for denser reconnaissance networks.
With 14+ active orbital assets and a robust development queue, Iran's program is creating high-impact roles in sensor engineering, data analytics, and mission planning—establishing the nation as a frontrunner in advanced imaging solutions.
Business Vantage: Noor-3’s Lens on Reconnaissance Commerce
At Our Milky Way Galaxy, Noor-3 illustrates our dedication to high-resolution, automated space intelligence—its imaging advancements parallel our asteroid surveillance and lunar mapping tools:
- Precision Payoff: 2.5x resolution boosts $1.5B markets in orbital analytics, with 8x ROI from licensed data feeds.
- Automation Adaptability: Streamlined controls transferable to ISRU missions, enhancing data throughput by 40%.
- Alliance Clarity: Co-develop reconnaissance payloads with international partners, accessing $3B in joint surveillance contracts.
Noor-3 affirms: Orbital imaging is a strategic revenue driver—Iran's space domain, valued at $6 billion annually, is optimized for collaborations in reconnaissance tech and real-time intelligence services.
Capture the Orbital Edge
Noor-3 extends a clear invitation to visionaries: Intelligence providers, mission integrators, tech developers—let's sharpen its focus for your objectives. From customized imaging protocols to constellation co-builds, the orbital view is yours to leverage.
✦ Sharpen Strategic Partnerships ✦