As the countdown begins for the upcoming series of space launches, the names of three satellites are being mentioned: Zafar 2, Kawthar, andRich(Rising 3). And between them, it countsSunrise 3The heaviest and most advanced, it constitutes a clear sign of the maturity of space technology in the Iranian electronic industries (Sayran).

Why is “Toul 3” so important?

“Toulo 3” is a remote sensing satellite manufactured for…Iranian Space OrganizationCreated by Sayran, it is considered a fully practical satellite after passing laboratory tests. According to the latest data, its weight is about 150 kilograms, making it the heaviest local sensing satellite to date, and it is scheduled to be placed in low orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 500 kilometers.

Its most prominent specifications are the accuracy of photography:

– Panchromatic photography (black and white): 5 meters resolution

– Multispectral imaging (color): 10 meters resolution

These numbers represent a major leap compared to previous generations, and place Iran among the countries possessing satellite images with commercial accuracy.

Orbital maneuvering capability… the strategic strength of “Baia”

One of the main advantages of “Toulo 3” is its reliance on local space propulsion systems that allow it to adjust its orbit or carry out customized maneuvers to take pictures from specific points. This feature enhances its operational life and ensures the accuracy of pointing cameras towards the ground.

than 80% of its components have been localized, including sensors and propulsion systems.

The uses of “Toulo 3”… a vigilant eye that serves the state

The satellite will provide the country with vital data for decision-making and resource management, and its most prominent applications are:

–Precision agriculture: Estimating the areas cultivated with wheat and rice and monitoring crop health.

–Water resources management: Monitoring the change in lakes and rivers and dealing with drought.

–Crisis management: Providing urgent images of areas of floods, earthquakes and forest fires.

–Surveying and mapping: Updating civil and topographical maps.

The story of “Rise”… from the dream of 25 meters to the reality of 5 metres

To understand the magnitude of the leap achieved by “Toulo 3,” we must return to the journey of this family:

1. Rising 1… The Beginning of the Dream (2014–2017)

The project was launched in the early last decade. In 2014, a contract was announced to manufacture the “Tolo 1” with the aim of achieving an accuracy of 25 meters.

In August 2017, it was launched by a Simorgh rocket, but it did not enter orbit. Nevertheless, the experience resulted in experiences that formed the basis for subsequent development.

2. Rising 3… The phoenix is ​​reborn

Sairan experts continued to work, and with a technical breakthrough they were able to improve the accuracy from 25 meters to 5 metres. The space version was unveiled on Space Day 2022, and then officially delivered to the organization in September 2023.

3. Rising 4… the next step

The head of the Space Organization, Hassan Salaria, announced that work is underway on the fourth generation, which is expected to have higher accuracy and advanced communication and control capabilities compared to “Toulo 3.”

Is the “Tolo” family moving towards SAR radar technology?

One of the most prominent discussions surrounding the “Baia” satellites is the possibility of equipping them with synthetic aperture radar (SAR). Optical cameras need light and atmospheric clarity, while SAR can photograph day and night and in various weather conditions.

Although “Tolo 3” is intended for optical imaging, its modular platform allows SAR payloads to be integrated into subsequent generations such as “Tolo 4”, which will provide comprehensive surveillance capability at all times.

Information from the Iranian Aerospace Mechanics Institute indicates the success of testing the first airborne SAR model over the past years, and it has now become practical and capable of producing remote sensing images of specific areas.

The trilogy “Toulo 3”, “Zafar 2”, and “Kawthar”… completion of the spatial data cycle

By placing these satellites together in orbit, Iran’s geostrategic data loop will be complete.

The launch of “Toulo 3” represents a major step towards implementing the country’s space road map and accessing multiple satellite systems.