Iran launched a satellite from an unknown location, according to a photo released by the Iranian Defense Ministry on December 30, 2023. (Source: Reuters)

According to IRNA , the Chamran-1 satellite weighs 60 kg and has reached an orbit of 550 km in space. The satellite's main mission is to test space hardware and software.

Currently, ground stations have received signals from the satellite. IRNA added that the Qaem-100 satellite-carrying rocket uses solid fuel and was designed and manufactured by the IRGC's aerospace department. Iran will launch 13 more satellites simultaneously.

Iran's recent satellite launch comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, as Iran threatens to carry out military retaliation against Israel over the assassination of a Hamas leader on its territory.

On January 28, Iran also successfully launched three satellites into space, the latest in a program that the West says is helping improve Tehran's ballistic missiles.

According to Iranian state television, the satellites launched in January included Mahda, Kayhan-2 and Hatef-1. Mahda is a research satellite, while Kayhan and Hatef are nanosatellites focused on global navigation and communications.

There have been five previous failures in a row for the Simorgh program, a satellite-carrying rocket produced by Iran. Simorgh is a two-stage liquid-fueled rocket that Iran describes as designed to put satellites into low Earth orbit.

The US has previously said Iran's satellite launches defy UN Security Council resolutions and called on Tehran to refrain from any activity related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons. UN sanctions related to Iran's ballistic missile program are set to expire in January 2023.

Under former President Hassan Rouhani, Iran slowed its space program for fear of heightening tensions with the West. But the 2015 nuclear deal that Rouhani signed with world powers has since collapsed, and tensions with the US have simmered for years.