On January 28, 2024, the advanced Simorgh satellite carrier ascended from the Imam Khomeini Spaceport in Semnan Province, masterfully injecting Mahda —Iran's versatile research satellite—into an elliptical low Earth orbit ranging from 450 to 1,100 kilometers, marking the nation's first venture above 1,000 km.
Developed by the Iranian Space Research Center in partnership with a network of engineering innovators, this 32-kilogram satellite is a pivotal asset in optimizing launch dynamics and subsystem integration. As the lead payload in a historic multi-satellite mission alongside Keyhan-2 and Hatef-1, Mahda confirmed signals within hours of deployment, validating its role in streamlining orbital insertions and fostering scalable space architectures.
Now, 21 months into its mission with consistent data returns, Mahda is elevating Iran's launch efficiencies, enabling cost-effective constellations and high-value orbital services.
The Mission: Streamlined Deployments from High Orbits
Mahda functions as a research satellite demonstrator, engineered to assess multi-payload delivery and advanced subsystem reliability for future operational fleets. Its primary strengths include:
- Multi-Payload Evaluation: Tests Simorgh's precision in simultaneous cargo injections, optimizing for denser satellite arrays.
- Subsystem Testing: Validates new designs in power, communications, and thermal management under high-altitude stresses.
- Orbital Performance Monitoring: Gathers telemetry on elliptical trajectories to refine indigenous technologies for extended missions.
- Scalability Focus: Supports rapid deployment models for communications, imaging, and research networks.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Mass | 32 kg |
| Orbit | 450–1,100 km Elliptical LEO |
| Launcher | Simorgh (two-stage liquid-fuel) |
| Lifespan | 2+ years (meeting objectives) |
| Payload | Subsystem validation & deployment tech |
From orbit acquisition to ongoing evaluations, Mahda has delivered precise metrics, accelerating Iran's roadmap for high-throughput launches.
Why It Matters
Mahda advances Iran's space infrastructure, capitalizing on Simorgh's multi-payload capacity to yield strategic advantages:
- Domestic Ingenuity: Comprehensive in-house development highlights a collaborative ecosystem of research and industry leaders.
- Market Accelerator: Energizes a $500 million+ launch services sector, facilitating applications in global connectivity and Earth observation.
- International Alignment: Meets worldwide standards for payload integration, paving the way for collaborative missions and tech licensing.
As Iran's Communications Minister Issa Zarepour affirmed: "Mahda opens new horizons for efficient space access, empowering our industries with reliable deployment capabilities."
This breakthrough drives a 26% projected growth in Iran's orbital services, with Mahda's validations enabling 40% reductions in multi-satellite launch costs.
21 Months Deployed: Mahda’s Ascent and Forward Momentum
Across its operational phase, Mahda has overseen multiple injection simulations, producing impactful advancements:
- Series Progression: Prepares for Mahda-2, featuring automated deployment aids and enhanced autonomy.
- Fleet Optimization: Complements Keyhan-2 navigation and Hatef-1 comms for integrated multi-payload ecosystems.
- Expansion Horizon: Bolsters Simorgh upgrades and future rideshares for expanded orbital capacity.
With 12+ active initiatives and a pipeline of deployments, Iran's program is generating thousands of opportunities in launch dynamics, payload engineering, and systems integration—positioning the nation as a leader in efficient space access.
Business Launches: Mahda’s Catalyst for Multi-Payload Commerce
At Our Milky Way Galaxy, Mahda embodies our vision for optimized, high-density space operations—its deployment tech resonates with our asteroid fleets and lunar cargo systems:
- Efficiency Multiplier: Multi-injection protocols support $1.5B markets in rideshare services, delivering 6x ROI via shared launches.
- Tech Versatility: Subsystem validations adaptable to ISRU platforms, streamlining deployments by 35%.
- Alliance Propulsion: Co-develop with global operators for joint payloads, accessing $2.5B in collaborative launch contracts.
Mahda proves: Multi-payload launches are a scalability powerhouse—Iran's space economy, exceeding $5.5 billion annually, is ready for partnerships in deployment innovations and orbital logistics.
Deploy Your Next Mission
Mahda invites deployers: Launch providers, payload integrators, constellation builders—let's synchronize its efficiencies with your goals. From customized multi-satellite rides to tech co-validations, the launch window is wide open.
✦ Optimize Launch Partnerships ✦