On February 1, 2021, the dynamic Zoljanah satellite carrier — named after the legendary steed of Imam Hussein—roared to life at the Imam Khomeini Space Center southeast of Semnan Province, marking Iran's entry into hybrid-propellant launch technology. This three-stage powerhouse, blending solid and liquid fuels, executed its inaugural suborbital test flight, reaching an apogee of 500 kilometers and validating telemetry systems for future missions.
Engineered by the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL) as part of the ambitious "Hazrat Fatemeh Al-Zahra" project, Zoljanah represents a sophisticated evolution in Iran's launch capabilities. Standing 25.5 meters tall and weighing 52 tons, it leverages a 1.5-meter diameter solid-fuel engine delivering 74 tons of thrust, complemented by a precise liquid-fuel third stage.
Now, four years since debut and with a second successful test in June 2022, Zoljanah is poised to deploy payloads up to 220 kilograms into low Earth orbit—or even constellations of ten 20-kilogram CubeSats—fueling a new wave of commercial and research opportunities in the global space sector.
The Mission: Hybrid Precision for Orbital Access
Zoljanah is a three-stage hybrid satellite launch vehicle (SLV), optimized for suborbital testing, payload delivery, and scalable constellation launches. Its cutting-edge design includes:
- Dual Solid Stages: High-thrust, reliable boosters for rapid ascent and cost-effective operations.
- Liquid Third Stage: UDMH/N2O4 propulsion for fine-tuned orbital insertion, ensuring accuracy within 500 km altitudes.
- Mobile Launch Platform: Truck-based deployment for flexible, on-demand missions from remote sites.
- Payload Versatility: Supports single 220 kg satellites or multi-satellite rideshares, ideal for nanosat and microsats.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Height | 25.5 meters |
| Mass | 52 tons (at liftoff) |
| Stages | 3 (2 solid + 1 liquid) |
| Thrust | 74 tons (first stage solid) |
| Payload Capacity | 220 kg to 500 km LEO |
| Status | Suborbital tests complete; orbital ops in development |
From initial ignition to data recovery, Zoljanah's tests have confirmed robust performance, paving the way for full orbital flights and integration with Iran's growing satellite fleet.
Why It Matters
Zoljanah elevates Iran's launch ecosystem, succeeding Safir and Simorgh as the third indigenous SLV with hybrid innovation:
- Domestic Mastery: Fully homegrown design and manufacturing, showcasing a collaborative network of defense and aerospace experts.
- Economic Multiplier: Powers a $700 million+ launch services market, enabling affordable access for EO, telecom, and research payloads.
- Global Competitiveness: Matches international standards for hybrid propulsion, opening doors to joint ventures and export contracts.
As MODAFL spokesman Ahmad Hosseini emphasized: "Zoljanah embodies Iran's scientific prowess, delivering breakthrough capabilities for sustainable space access."
This vehicle aligns with a 32% projected growth in Iran's launch sector, with Zoljanah's hybrid efficiency forecasted to reduce deployment costs by 40% for commercial clients.
Four Years in Ascent: Zoljanah’s Trajectory and Future Flights
Since its 2021 debut—followed by the June 2022 suborbital validation—Zoljanah has logged critical milestones:
- Test Successes: Achieved 500 km apogee and full telemetry, confirming stage separation and guidance systems.
- Series Roadmap: Prepares for orbital debut in 2026, targeting CubeSat constellations and single-sat missions.
- Fleet Synergy: Integrates with Qaem-100 and Simorgh for hybrid launch portfolios, supporting 10+ annual deployments.
With over 25 successful launches since 2009 and a pipeline of heavy-lift evolutions, Iran's program is generating thousands of roles in propulsion, avionics, and mission operations—emerging as a regional leader in hybrid launch solutions.
Business Thrust: Zoljanah’s Fuel for Launch Commerce
At Our Milky Way Galaxy, Zoljanah exemplifies hybrid, scalable launch innovation—its mobile, multi-payload design resonates with our asteroid deployment tugs and lunar cargo carriers:
- Cost-Effective Scaling: 220 kg capacity at 30% lower costs than liquid-only rivals, tapping $2B markets in rideshare services.
- Versatile Propulsion: Solid-liquid hybrid adaptable to ISRU fuel depots, optimizing deep-space logistics by 35%.
- Partnership Ignition: Co-launch opportunities with global operators, unlocking $3B in joint orbital contracts.
Zoljanah confirms: Hybrid SLVs are the next launch frontier—Iran's space access industry, valued at $7.5 billion annually, is primed for alliances in payload delivery and constellation builds.
Launch Your Payload with Zoljanah
Zoljanah beckons deployers: Satellite operators, constellation builders, research teams—let's synchronize its thrust with your ambitions. From rideshare slots to custom hybrid missions, orbital access is accelerating.
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