Iran Building 20 Satellites, Announces Space Agency Head at INOTEX 2025

Tehran, May 10, 2025 – Hasan Salarieh, President of the Iran Space Agency, revealed at the Iran International Innovation & Technology Exhibition (INOTEX) 2025 that 20 Iranian satellites are under construction, emphasizing the critical role of knowledge-based companies in achieving the country’s expansive space objectives through public-private partnerships.

Hasan Salarieh, President of the Iran Space Agency, discussed the nation’s strategic space ambitions on the sidelines of INOTEX 2025, stressing that the private sector is indispensable for executing Iran’s 10-year space program due to the scope and technical complexity of the missions.

He noted, “Since 2022, coinciding with the launch of this program, we have prioritized delegating major space projects to the private sector.”

Contracts for 20 Iranian Satellites
Detailing the growing collaboration between the government and private entities in the space sector, Salarieh stated, “To date, contracts worth approximately one trillion IRR have been signed with private companies across various aspects of the space industry. These include satellite construction and the design of satellite constellations, such as the Martyr Soleimani constellation. Currently, about 20 satellites are under development through a consortium of public and private companies.”

Guaranteed Purchase of Domestic Satellite Imagery
The agency head also announced a policy of guaranteed purchase of satellite imagery produced by indigenously developed satellites, adding, “This initiative, implemented with active private sector involvement, supports the space-based economy while enhancing the country’s technical capabilities in remote sensing.”

Research Projects and New Tenders
Salarieh disclosed contracts with private companies for research projects termed “Research 1 to 4,” and added, “Two new tenders are currently underway for the design and construction of two satellite constellations—one for remote sensing and the other for narrowband telecommunications—to be awarded to the private sector. Per our timeline, contracts for these projects are expected to be finalized by the end of 2025.”

Accelerating Private Sector Involvement in Space Industry
Commenting on the increasing private sector engagement in recent years, Salarieh observed, “Over the past three years, the participation of knowledge-based companies in space projects has accelerated significantly. While space projects were traditionally managed by governmental and research institutions, today a substantial portion of operational activities in this industry is handled by the private sector.”

Showcasing Private Sector Capabilities at INOTEX 2025
He highlighted the active presence of the Iran Space Agency at INOTEX 2025, saying, “This event has been an opportunity to comprehensively present collaboration prospects and existing capacities within the private space industry. Visitors can explore products and technologies from knowledge-based companies at dedicated space industry booths.”

Private Sector as Catalyst for Space Development
In conclusion, Salarieh underscored the urgency of accelerating space missions to enhance Iran’s competitive position internationally, stating, “Given the vast scope of our missions and the need to elevate Iran’s global standing, private sector involvement is not merely effective but a national imperative to achieve the goals outlined in the country’s comprehensive space development document.”