A military satellite, Noor-2, has been launched into orbit at an altitude of 500 kilometres or 311 miles from the earth by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Overview:

• This is the Islamic Republic’s second military satellite launch.
• In April 2020, the first Noor military satellite was launched at an orbit of 425km or 265 miles above the surface of the earth.
• In the Persian language Noor means light.
• The Noor 2 was launched from the Shahroud spaceport by the three-stage Qased, or “Messenger” launcher.
• The launch of Iran’s second satellite into orbit would be a significant step forward for the country’s military. This will also increase concerns about the country’s nuclear and missile programs.
• The weight of the satellite is less than 45 kgs or 100 pounds.
• Details regarding the Noor-2 satellite were not released by the officials of the country.