Iran launches research satellite into orbit using domestic rocket. (Source: PressTV)

On September 14, the Iranian State News Agency (IRNA) said that the Islamic Republic successfully launched a research satellite into orbit using a rocket, manufactured by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

According to IRNA, the Chamran-1 satellite, weighing 60kg, has reached an altitude of 550km. Ground stations have received the satellite's first signals. The satellite's main mission is to test and evaluate systems in space.

The Qaem-100 rocket, which was used to launch the Chamran-1 satellite, uses solid fuel and was designed and manufactured by the IRGC's aerospace division, IRNA said. Iran also plans to launch 13 more satellites simultaneously.

Last January, Iran successfully launched three satellites into space, including the Sorayya satellite, which reached an altitude of 750km. This was the first time the Islamic Republic's satellite had reached such an altitude.