Iran Unveils 2026 Space Roadmap with Satellite Constellation and Radar Satellite

Iran has announced plans to expand its space program through 2026, including the launch of the first phase of the Shahid Soleimani satellite constellation and the unveiling of the country’s first domestically built radar satellite. The announcement was made by Hassan Salarieh, Iran’s Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and head of the Iranian Space Agency (ISA), during a press conference on Wednesday.

Salarieh said the country’s priorities for the current Iranian year, which began on March 21, 2026, include the continued development of satellite control centers, launch sites, and specialized laboratories. He also highlighted ongoing progress in the construction of the Nahid-2 and Nahid-3 communications satellites, alongside further advancement of the Shahid Soleimani satellite constellation.

“The projects we are pursuing in the space industry fall into several main categories, including infrastructure projects, satellite design and manufacturing projects, as well as data- and imagery-based service projects,” Salarieh said. The initiatives are part of Iran’s broader efforts to strengthen its domestic space capabilities and expand the use of satellite technology for communications, Earth observation, and related services.