Iran has successfully launched three domestically built satellites into orbit with the help of a Russian Soyuz rocket, state media in Tehran reported on Sunday. The launch took place from Russia’s Vostochny Cosmodrome in the Russian Far East, marking yet another milestone in space cooperation between Tehran and Moscow.

The satellites—named Paya, Kowsar, and Zafar-2—are expected to orbit at around 500 km above Earth and will support activities such as environmental monitoring, water-resource management, and agricultural observation. One of the satellites, Paya, is the heaviest Iranian satellite to date, weighing about 150 kg.

Officials say this launch is part of Iran’s expanding space programme, despite ongoing international scrutiny and sanctions. The collaboration with Russia underscores growing strategic ties between the two countries.