On November 4, the Russian space agency Roscosmos successfully launched a Soyuz 2.1 rocket with a payload including Iranian satellites. The launch took place from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in the Russian Far East and the satellites were put into orbit nine minutes after liftoff.
The satellites included two Russian Ionosphere-M and 53 small satellites, including two Iranian ones – Kowsar for imaging and Hodhod for communications. This is not the first time Russia and Iran cooperate in space. It is planned to further develop relations within the framework of a strategic partnership.
Iran is also actively developing its own space program, including with military participation. Other satellite images indicate possible Israeli influence on Iranian facilities. Information about the future visit of the Iranian President to Russia remains in doubt.