On January 20, 2024, the innovative Qaem-100 three-stage solid-fuel launcher ascended from the Shahroud Space Center, elevating Soraya —Iran's trailblazing remote sensing satellite—into a groundbreaking 750-kilometer low Earth orbit, the nation's highest achievement to date.
Developed by the Iranian Space Research Center in partnership with forward-thinking engineering teams, this 50-kilogram satellite is a game-changer for data acquisition and orbital research. With its sophisticated imaging capabilities and robust subsystems, Soraya is delivering high-value insights that advance environmental monitoring, resource mapping, and technological integration, solidifying Iran's leadership in accessible space solutions.
Now, celebrating one year of seamless performance and signal transmissions, Soraya is fueling a new era of efficient, high-altitude satellite operations with broad commercial potential.
The Mission: Elevated Insights from New Heights
Soraya is an SRI-series research satellite optimized for advanced remote sensing and subsystem validation, enabling comprehensive Earth observation from unprecedented altitudes. Its standout features include:
- High-Altitude Imaging: Optimized sensors for wide-area coverage, supporting applications in agriculture, urban development, and climate analysis.
- Subsystem Validation: Testing power distribution, communication links, and orbital stability for scalable future missions.
- Data Relay Capabilities: Efficient telemetry for real-time processing, enhancing integration with ground-based analytics platforms.
- Extended Reach: 750 km orbit provides superior revisit times and reduced atmospheric interference for precise data collection.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Mass | 50 kg |
| Orbit | 750 km LEO |
| Launcher | Qaem-100 (three-stage solid-fuel) |
| Lifespan | 3+ years (design goal, ongoing) |
| Payload | Remote sensing & research modules |
From launch to full operational telemetry within 11 minutes, Soraya has consistently outperformed expectations, generating datasets that streamline Iran's path to multi-satellite constellations.
Why It Matters
Soraya propels Iran's space framework forward, leveraging the Qaem-100's precision to unlock untapped efficiencies:
- Indigenous Innovation: Comprehensive domestic engineering showcases a collaborative powerhouse of research and industry expertise.
- Economic Catalyst: Energizes a $600 million+ remote sensing market, driving value in precision mapping, disaster response, and sustainable resource use.
- Global Synergy: Adheres to international protocols, creating seamless pathways for collaborative data exchanges and technology integrations.
As IRGC Aerospace Commander Amir Ali Hajizadeh stated: "Soraya expands our orbital horizons, delivering tools that enhance decision-making across sectors."
This milestone aligns with a 28% forecasted expansion in Iran's space data services, with Soraya's high-orbit design enabling 20% faster coverage cycles for commercial clients.
One Year Elevated: Soraya’s Ascent and Forward Trajectory
In its inaugural year, Soraya has captured extensive imaging sessions, yielding transformative results:
- Series Momentum: Foundations for Soraya-2, featuring upgraded sensors and automated processing.
- Fleet Amplification: Enhances synergy with Pars-1 imaging platforms for end-to-end observation networks.
- Visionary Pipeline: Supports Qaem-100 evolutions and upcoming high-payload launches for expanded capabilities.
With nine successful indigenous launches in the past 16 years and a robust queue of projects, Iran's ecosystem is cultivating thousands of opportunities in data science, sensor development, and orbital engineering—emerging as a prime destination for high-altitude space ventures.
Business Elevations: Soraya’s Thrust for High-Altitude Commerce
At Our Milky Way Galaxy, Soraya embodies our commitment to high-reach, value-driven space platforms—its orbital prowess echoes our lunar relays and asteroid scanners:
- Coverage Advantages: 750 km altitude cuts data latency by 25%, powering $1.2B markets in real-time Earth intelligence services.
- Tech Adaptability: Stability systems transferable to ISRU explorers, elevating mission reliability by 35%.
- Partnership Lift: Co-launch opportunities with international teams, accessing $2B in shared remote sensing contracts.
Soraya validates: High-orbit assets are premium revenue generators—Iran's space sector, now exceeding $4 billion annually, is optimized for alliances in advanced imaging and analytics.
Reach New Altitudes Together
Soraya summons collaborators: Data enterprises, environmental firms, tech innovators—let's amplify its vantage with your expertise. From bespoke imaging solutions to constellation co-builds, high orbit holds high yields.
✦ Ascend to Partnerships ✦