Iran's rocket launches heaviest payload, reaches new space milestone

Iran successfully launched its heaviest-ever payload into space on December 6, sending the Samān-1 transfer module, along with a CubeSat and a research payload, into an elliptical orbit.

The launch was conducted using the Simorgh carrier rocket, marking its eighth successful mission.

The payload, weighing approximately 300 kg, was placed into an orbit with a high point of 410 km and a low point of 300 km, setting a new national record for Iran.

The Simorgh, a two-stage liquid-fueled satellite launch vehicle developed by Iran's defense ministry and Armed Forces Logistics, has made significant strides in Iran's space capabilities.

This latest mission follows a series of milestones, including the January launch of three satellites in a single mission, and the September deployment of the Chamran-1 research satellite into a 550 km orbit using the Qaem-100 carrier.

The successful launch comes amidst claims from the United States and European nations that Iran has been transferring ballistic missiles to Russia, potentially for use in the ongoing war in Ukraine, although Iran has denied these allegations.