Iran has launched a new research satellite into orbit, state media reported.
"The Chamran-1 research satellite was successfully launched and placed into orbit by the Ghaem-100 launch vehicle," state television announced.
The satellite, which weighs about 60 kg, is designed to test hardware and software systems for in-orbit maneuvering technology.
The device was designed and built by Iranian Electronics Industries, under the auspices of the Ministry of Defense.
Western governments, including the United States, have repeatedly warned Iran against such launches, saying the same technology could be used for ballistic missiles, including those designed to carry a nuclear warhead.
Iran counters that it is not seeking to develop nuclear weapons and that satellite and missile launches are for civilian or defensive purposes only.
The Ghaem-100 rocket that launched the last satellite was manufactured by the Aerospace Organization of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which is part of Iran's military.
The carrier is the country's first three-stage solid-propellant satellite launch vehicle.
For years, Iran has been developing its space activities, insisting that they are peaceful and in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.
In February, Russia launched an Iranian remote sensing and imaging satellite into orbit.
At the time, Iran's telecommunications minister said Iran had carried out a number of satellite launches in the previous two years.
In January, Iran said it had simultaneously launched three satellites into orbit, nearly a week after the Guards launched a research satellite.
The Islamic Republic has faced several failed satellite launch attempts in the past.
Iran has suffered for years from crippling Western sanctions, especially since in 2018 its arch-enemy the United States, under then-President Donald Trump, unilaterally abandoned the landmark nuclear deal between Tehran and the major powers.
Iran recalled four European ambassadors this week after the West imposed new sanctions over Iran's alleged supply of ballistic missiles to Russia. | BGNES
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