In an interview with Tasnim, Salariyeh addressed a question about the requirements and pathway for reaching a 36,000-kilometer orbit and the possibility of using a foreign launcher.
He stated that several important and key measures are on the agenda to achieve that orbit, explaining that the first step is the development of launch vehicles capable of placing heavier objects into low-altitude orbits, known as “parking orbits.”
He added that, accordingly, the development of upgraded versions of the “Simorgh” satellite carrier, as well as the “Qassed” and “Sarir” launch vehicles, is being pursued within the Ministry of Defense.
Salariyeh further stated that the next step involves the development of orbital transfer blocks and propulsion systems capable of transferring satellites to higher orbits through orbital maneuvers.
He noted that this objective is being pursued through the design and construction of orbital transfer blocks, particularly the “Saman” orbital transfer block at the Iran Space Research Center, along with other similar blocks designed for this purpose. He added that the development of the required propulsion systems for this field is also underway within the Ministry of Defense.