Iran to test new solar panel technology on Nahid 1 satellite

“This satellite ... will open its rotating solar cells during its mission and stay in the space which will be regarded as a great achievement for the country,” said Mohammad Javad Azari-Jahromi on Tuesday, according to remarks covered in ISNA news agency.

The minister further said that Nahid 1 will be handed over to Iran’s defense ministry “in the upcoming days” for a long-anticipated launch in a near future.

He added that the spacecraft will orbit 250 kilometers above earth, adding that it could stay in the space for a maximum of two and a half years.

“In addition to its communications mission, this satellite will test one of the capabilities and technologies developed by Iranian engineers,” said Azari Jahromi of Nahid 1, whose launch would come more than six months after Iran failed to place another satellite, named Payam, into orbit because it did not reach adequate speed.

Azari Jahromi, who was in the central Iranian city of Saveh for a working visit, said that Nahid 1 had successfully passed its final tests and a launch date will be announced subsequently by Iranian defense officials.

The announcement comes as Iran is pressing ahead with its space program despite sanctions imposed by the United States over accusations that the country uses satellite launches as a cover for its military-grade missiles and rockets.

Iran has repeatedly denied the accusations, saying it has nothing to hide in its missile program while insisting the satellite launches are intended for peaceful purposes like managing water resources and protecting the environment.