Iran Plans Launch of Three Satellites from Soleimani Constellation by March

Iran plans to launch three satellites from the Shahid Soleimani constellation by the Persian New Year in March, according to Minister of Information and Communications Technology Sattar Hashemi. Speaking during a joint meeting with parliament's Planning and Budget Committee, the minister stated that operational strategy in the space domain has shifted from pure technology development toward practical applications, marking a strategic advancement for the domestic space program.

The three planned satellites represent the initial phase of a broader 24-satellite constellation under the 14th administration. "The Shahid Soleimani constellation is among the most important initiatives that will take shape in the 14th administration," Hashemi stated, noting that the deployment relies on calmer domestic conditions. He confirmed that multiple Iranian sensing and telecommunications satellites remain active in orbit, providing continuous operational services even amid heightened regional conflict and wartime conditions.

The minister also acknowledged that parts of the nation's space infrastructure, including research centers and institutes across multiple cities, have sustained physical damage. Despite these setbacks, Hashemi emphasized that space activities and services never halted, with technical teams sustaining ongoing operations while pursuing the constellation architecture.

Iran's move toward a multi-satellite constellation reflects an effort to secure sovereign communication and remote sensing infrastructure. The successful deployment of the initial trio by March 2025 is expected to serve as the foundation for Iran's long-term orbital presence, positioning the country to maintain independent data relays despite persistent infrastructure and geopolitical pressures.