The chancellor of Amirkabir University stated that some people are determined to see us fail, saying, "In such circumstances, the country needs development, and utilizing existing capacities is the least we can do in this regard."
According to the public relations office of Amirkabir University, Dr. Alireza Rahai made these remarks during a meeting on the latest achievements and projects in the field of satellites, held at the university to celebrate World Space Week. He highlighted the space industry as one of the key sectors for countries, adding that any country that harnesses this industry achieves significant successes.
He noted that Iran has made substantial progress since the establishment of the Space Organization in 1384, achieving many successes quickly. While it might take years for other countries to develop technology and build satellites, thanks to the enthusiasm of young people and effective management, a long journey was covered in a short time, resulting in satellites being developed and launched in recent years.
Dr. Rahai mentioned that transportation, weather forecasting, and medicine are some of the areas benefiting from space technology. He pointed out that with the first attempts to launch the Apollo spacecraft, humanity entered space, marking significant advancements ever since.
The chancellor highlighted the university's efforts in advancing space sciences, noting that its Aerospace Engineering Department is the first of its kind in the country, with around 1,300 undergraduate graduates and 1,100 at the master's and doctoral levels. He mentioned that new programs, including satellite technology and space engineering, have been introduced.
Speaking about the presence of the university's graduates in the space industry research centers, Dr.Rahai said that a major satellite project called AUT SAT was implemented at the university in the 1380s, laying the groundwork for other space projects.
He reiterated that some are intent on seeing us fail, emphasizing that in such situations, the country needs development, and utilizing existing resources is the minimum we can do.

A trillion-toman partnership between the Space Organization, private sector, and universities.

Dr. Hassan Salariyeh, during a meeting on the latest achievements and projects in the field of satellites held at Amirkabir University for World Space Week, spoke about the two-decade journey of Iran's space industry. He mentioned that with the establishment of the Space Organization and the delivery of space projects, steps were taken to develop this industry, which has seen its ups and downs along the way.
He added that at one-point, significant resources were injected into this industry, leading to serious advancements, but there was also a time when financial issues slowed progress, and some policies harmed the industry.
Dr. Salariyeh emphasized that the global perspective on developing the space industry isn’t just about launches for power or showcasing a country's strength. Instead, it’s viewed as a strategic industry for national development. He urged against letting political issues hinder progress in this sector, as that would only hold us back.
The head of Iran's Space Organization noted that back in 1387, when Iran launched the Omid satellite, the country was in a unique position as there were no competitors in the field at that time. However, today, countries like Turkey have established cohesive and ambitious space programs, and Pakistan, in close collaboration with China, has created 2.5-ton space labs and a production line for cameras with an accuracy of about 2 meters.
He mentioned the UAE's space program, highlighting that the country is making significant investments in collaboration with Western nations to reach the Moon and Mars. He also pointed out that Saudi Arabia, traditionally regarded as a competitor, is making its own investments in this area.
Dr. Salariyeh noted that Qatar has successfully earned significant revenue in satellite operation and broadcasting for years, while Oman, although previously lagging, has started negotiations with Western countries and even Iran. He remarked that Azerbaijan has operational remote sensing and communication satellites, and Kazakhstan, with Russia's assistance, has the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
Emphasizing that all surrounding countries are investing in their space industries, he mentioned that one strategic characteristic of the space industry is the dramatic decrease in fossil fuel resources worldwide. He identified extraterrestrial energy sources as a serious solution, noting that the space industry has been at the forefront of harnessing solar energy, with higher efficiency than that of terrestrial solar farms.
He pointed to this year's World Space Week theme, "Space and Climate Change," noting that energy is one key parameter, and using resources from other celestial bodies is a serious consideration. This is no longer a myth or fantasy; countries are planning to start tapping lunar energy by 2030. The exploration of energy sources isn’t limited to the Moon but also includes asteroids.
He referred to the connection between the space industry and security issues, stating that ground systems have specific limitations, and fiber optics can’t be laid everywhere. However, using satellites can provide extensive coverage that ensures security and enables various types of access that are not possible through terrestrial infrastructure.
Dr. Salariyeh does not view space as merely a matter of power but emphasizes that it is a pivotal topic for humanity’s future, offering potential solutions to many climatic, energy, and resource management challenges.
He highlighted that in facing challenges related to finding a foothold on other celestial bodies, Iran's approach to space issues focuses on leveraging all the country's capacities, emphasizing that human resources are the most crucial asset. There is competition worldwide over human talent.
He noted that the Space Organization has contracts worth over a trillion tomans with the private sector and that there will be more tenders by the end of the year. He believes that advancing in the space industry must be a collective effort, with all capacities contributing to the cause.
 
The Shahid Soleimani satellite constellation will be launched by the end of next year.

The head of the Space Group at Sairan said that the Shahid Soleimani constellation consists of about 20 satellites, which will be launched by the end of 1404. This satellite constellation will provide Internet of Things services.
Dr. Moharram Ghiasvand spoke at the World Space Week event held at Amirkabir University. He referenced the history of the space industry globally and in Iran, mentioning that since 2006, the development of indigenous rockets and satellites has been a focus in Iran. So, it’s fair to say that the space industry in Iran has been underway for about 25 years.
He continued by noting that the actions taken have led to the launch of the "Omid" satellite in 2008, although this satellite was not operational.
The head of the Space Group at Sa Iran discussed the failures and successes in the global space industry, mentioning that the former Soviet Union had around 700-800 suborbital launches, with their twelfth satellite launch being successful. In our country, the second launch was successful, which raised expectations for the space industry here.
He stressed that the space industry is complex and that progress must be made step by step. Following the Omid satellite, the goal has been to transition our efforts from research to entering the space industry to provide us with some benefits. We've launched around 27-28 satellites in this direction.
Ghiasvand pointed out that most of the launches we see in the media have not been successful and are considered failures. He remarked that the space industry has faced more failures than successes, although the media tends to highlight successes.
He highlighted the importance of learning from failures in scientific development and acknowledged that journals typically don’t publish failures; however, without those failures, we wouldn't achieve success.
He emphasized that in the space domain, failure is not acceptable unless it leads to fear and despair. There are numerous challenges in the realm of technology development. We need to have the necessary readiness and patience for this field and hope the next generation can make progress more quickly.
Dr. Ghiasvand discussed the importance of international collaboration in the space sector, stating that most countries, excluding two leading nations, conduct their space activities through international cooperation. He noted that we are one of the last countries operating independently, which complicates things.
He mentioned that there is currently a suitable environment for activity in the space industry, specifically in the field of nano and micro satellites, where universities and knowledge-based companies have solid capacities and expertise. We aim to create a common space between us for collaboration. Private companies can't handle activities in the realm of large satellites on their own.
Regarding the existing launch vehicles, he stated that the Qaem-100 satellite launcher can send satellites up to 100 kilograms into low Earth orbit (LEO), while the Simorgh launcher can send mini satellites weighing up to 250 kilograms into LEO.
He added that fortunately, technologies worldwide have progressed to a point where we can work in areas where our country has capabilities, and we can conduct activities with our current satellites.
When discussing the Chamran satellite, Dr. Ghiasvand mentioned that it is a micro satellite responsible for orbital maneuvers. These maneuvers are meant to connect space systems and deploy larger systems in space. It also has applications in the space constellation and is made possible through space maneuvers.
He noted that fortunately, the Chamran satellite is the first satellite to complete its mission fully within two weeks.
The head of the Space Group at Sairan emphasized that the space industry demands multiple specialties and that universities should focus on teamwork. We don’t just need knowledge-based companies that create systems; many specialized fields are involved. We require knowledge-based companies in universities to develop subsystems, reduce costs, and boost competition.
He explained that part of space activity is research-oriented, while another part is more serious work done in growth centers and knowledge-based companies. Universities like Malek Ashtar, Science and Industry, and Amirkabir serve as good examples of successful collaborations.
Finally, Dr. Ghiasvand elaborated on the Shahid Soleimani constellation, stating that it consists of about 20 satellites that will be launched by the end of 2025, providing Internet of Things services.