The Iranian Ministry of Defence launched its latest domestically-build satellite carrier, named ‘Zoljenah’, on Monday, 1st of February. The Iranian state-run television said that Zoljenah is able to put a 220 kg satellite into a 500 km orbit above the earth. The footage of Zoljenah satellite carrier being launched was broadcasted on the occasion of the 10-Day Dawn, marking the 42nd anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
According to Iranian officials Zoljenah satellite carrier is a three-phase satellite launch vehicle, which is comparable only with the most state-of-the-art satellite rockets in the world in technical aspects. It enjoys two solid thrust phases and one liquid thrust phase.
Amid the tensions between Iran and the U.S. in recent years, the Trump administration have imposed illegitimate sanctions on Iran’s space industry. Although the sanctions have created some economic hardship, however, they couldn’t hinder Iran’s determination to boost its space industries. The United States seeks to demonize anybody who attempts to enter the realm of space as they feel it is their unquestioned domain. But not anymore.
The Iranian Space Agency was established in 2003, and by 2009 Iran became the ninth country to successfully launch a satellite into orbit. Since its inception, Iran so far has launched two space rockets: the Safir (“Ambassador”) and the Simorgh (“Phoenix”); and now the Zoljenah (“A Nobel Horse”).
Addressing the utmost significance of space program for Iran’s national security, Iran’s Supreme Leader, the Grand Ayatollah Khamenei, has emphasized that Tehran would not be “deceived” by the United States’ offer of negotiations and would not abandon its missile and space program.
Undoubtedly, the successful launch of Zoljenah conveys an important message to the enemies of the Islamic Republic, especially the United States, that despite myriad of threats and sanctions, Iran has gained access to long-range intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) technology and shall move forward with a resolute determination to conquer the infinite space.