Iran Developing Sub-Meter Imaging Satellite Constellations to Bolster Spatial Data Infrastructure

Iran is actively developing a new generation of high-resolution remote sensing satellites capable of capturing imagery with a precision of one meter and better, according to official statements from the Iranian Space Agency (ISA). Speaking at a specialized conference on domestic satellite technology and spatial data, ISA head Hossein Salariyeh outlined the nation's strategic push to deploy satellite constellations tailored to domestic operational needs.

Salariyeh, who also serves as Iran's deputy minister of information and communications technology, emphasized that multiple sub-meter imaging satellites are currently in the design and manufacturing stages. "Satellite imagery must not merely be produced for display; this data must be placed in the hands of specialized agencies to generate high-value downstream products," Salariyeh stated. He noted that the upcoming constellations will offer tiered resolutions—from sub-meter detail to several tens of meters—significantly cutting data acquisition times across large geographical swathes.

The initiative integrates data from existing and upcoming orbital assets, including the operational Khayyam and Paya satellites, alongside Pars-2, which is currently nearing launch. Salariyeh stressed that collaborating with organizations such as the National Cartographic Center is vital for directing earth observation resources toward pressing sectors, including agricultural tracking, water resource management, and natural disaster mitigation, thereby minimizing crisis damages and boosting economic productivity.

Looking ahead, the space agency plans to formally solicit direct input from domestic end-users to guide the engineering parameters of future orbital platforms. By fostering closer integration between knowledge-based firms, research institutes, and executive bodies, Iranian officials aim to transition their expanding space program from experimental launches into a self-sustaining spatial data ecosystem driven by real-world technical requirements.