Simorgh (rocket)

The Simorgh is an expendable Iranian satellite‐launch vehicle designed to place small satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO). It represents a significant development in Iran’s national space programme, demonstrating improved payload capability and technological sophistication compared to earlier systems such as the Safir launch vehicle.

Background and Development

The Simorgh rocket was first publicly unveiled in February 2010 as part of Iran’s growing ambitions in space exploration and technology. It is often referred to domestically as “Safir-2”, signifying its role as a successor to the earlier Safir system. Developed under the authority of the Iranian Ministry of Defence and the Iranian Space Agency, the project aimed to create a launcher capable of deploying heavier satellites into higher orbits.
The rocket forms part of Iran’s long-term plan to develop independent access to space for both scientific and strategic purposes. The programme has been conducted largely through the Imam Khomeini Space Centre, located in Semnan Province, which serves as the nation’s primary launch site for orbital and suborbital missions.

Design and Technical Features

Configuration and StructureThe Simorgh is a multi-stage, liquid-fuelled launch vehicle, generally described as two-stage, with the option of an additional upper (third) stage known as Saman-1. The vehicle measures approximately 27 metres in length and has a launch mass of around 70,000–87,000 kilograms. Its first stage has a diameter of about 2.4–2.5 metres, while the second stage narrows to around 1.5 metres.
Propulsion SystemThe first stage of the Simorgh employs four clustered engines with supplementary vernier thrusters for attitude control, derived from technologies used in the Shahab-3 missile and Safir rocket. Both stages use hypergolic propellants, specifically unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) as fuel and dinitrogen tetroxide (N₂O₄) as oxidiser.
This configuration enables the Simorgh to deliver a payload of approximately 250 kilograms into a 500-kilometre circular low Earth orbit, a considerable improvement over the 50-kilogram capacity of its predecessor. The upper stage may be solid-fuelled and serves as an orbital transfer or adjustment mechanism.
Launch FacilitiesAll Simorgh launches have been conducted from the Imam Khomeini Space Launch Terminal. The site includes integration facilities, fuelling systems, and launch control infrastructure capable of supporting large-scale satellite deployment missions.

Mission History

The first suborbital test flight of the Simorgh took place in April 2016, validating its basic propulsion and flight systems. Its first orbital attempt occurred in July 2017, though it did not achieve orbit. Subsequent attempts in January 2019 and February 2020, carrying the Payam and Zafar-1 satellites respectively, also failed to reach the required orbital velocity.
However, in January 2024, Iranian authorities reported the first successful orbital insertion of multiple satellites—Mahda, Kayhan-2, and Hatef-1—marking a significant technical milestone. Later, in December 2024, the rocket successfully launched a payload of approximately 300 kilograms, including the Saman-1 orbital transfer module and the Fakhr-1 satellite, establishing a new national record for payload delivery.

Strategic Implications and Dual-Use Concerns

The Simorgh is officially described as a civilian space launch vehicle designed for scientific and communications purposes. Nevertheless, international analysts have expressed concern over its dual-use potential, as many of its technologies—such as engine clustering, guidance systems, and re-entry control—are closely related to those used in long-range ballistic missile development.
Western defence analysts have noted that progress in Iran’s space launch capabilities could indirectly shorten the country’s path to developing intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) technology. These concerns have made the Simorgh programme a focal point of global discussions about missile proliferation and regional security.

Significance in Iran’s Space Programme

The Simorgh marks a major advancement in Iran’s ability to launch satellites independently. Compared with the Safir rocket, its payload capacity is five times greater, allowing the launch of more sophisticated instruments and multipayload missions. The rocket demonstrates Iran’s growing competence in propulsion, stage separation, and orbital control systems, essential technologies for more advanced space missions.
The successful orbital launches of 2024 strengthened Iran’s claim to self-sufficiency in satellite deployment and boosted its regional prestige as one of the few nations capable of placing satellites into orbit using domestically produced launch vehicles.

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages

• Enhanced payload capacity: Capable of lifting up to 300 kg into orbit.
• Indigenous production: Designed and built entirely within Iran, showcasing technological independence.
• Multipayload ability: Capable of deploying multiple satellites in a single mission.
• Technological progress: Provides a foundation for future, more powerful space launch systems.

Limitations

• Early launch failures: The first several orbital attempts failed to achieve stable orbit.
• Limited payload mass: Despite improvements, it remains a small launcher by international standards.
• International scrutiny: Its potential military applications have attracted sanctions and monitoring.

Criticism and International Response

The Simorgh programme has faced consistent criticism from Western nations, particularly the United States and members of the European Union, which view it as potentially violating restrictions related to ballistic missile technology. United Nations resolutions concerning missile development have been cited in these objections.
Iran has repeatedly asserted that its space programme is entirely peaceful, aimed at improving communications, meteorology, and Earth observation capabilities. Iranian officials argue that the programme’s transparency and scientific goals are consistent with international norms for civilian space activities.