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Russia's Soyuz-2.1b rocket launches 55 satellites, including Iran's Kowsar and Hodhod, from Vostochny Cosmodrome.

Science and Technology | Dated: 15 Nov 2024

On 5th November 2024, Russia launched 55 satellites into orbit, including Iran's two domestically manufactured satellites Kowsar and Hodhod from Vostochny Cosmodrome spaceport in eastern Russia using a Soyuz-2.1b rocket.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - This is the first time Russia has launched privately built Iranian satellites. This launch marked Russia's 13th launch in 2024.
  • - The payload included 51 Russian satellites, one satellite jointly developed by Russian and Chinese teams, and another Russian-Zimbabwean satellite, along with two Iranian satellites.
  • - The rocket carried two Russian Ionosphere-M Earth observation satellites for monitoring Earth's ionosphere and space weather, along with the Kowsar satellite for land observation and the Hodhod satellite for communications, both designed and built by the Iranian private space company Omid Faza in Tehran, Iran.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) Previously in 2022, a Russian rocket launched Khayyam, an Iranian Earth observation satellite built in Russia.
  • (ii) Iran and Russia have strengthened their ties in various fields, including the economic and military sectors.
  • (iii) Iran has also sent Shahed drones to Russia under a USD 1.7 billion deal signed in late 2022. Western countries, including the United States, have accused Russia of using these drones in Ukraine.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Recently, which rocket successfully launched 55 satellites, including 2 Iranian satellites, into orbit?

Correct Answer: Soyuz-2.1b

🚀 Quick Recap: