Iranian Space Agency (ISA) / IRGC Aerospace Force · Semnan Province, Iran, Iran
Launch Pads
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Annual Launches
1-3
Max Payload (LEO)
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Established
2008
Semnan Space Center (also known as Imam Khomeini Spaceport) is Iran's primary orbital launch facility located in the desert of Semnan province. Iran achieved orbital capability in 2009 when it launched the Omid satellite on a Safir rocket. The facility is operated jointly by the civilian Iranian Space Agency and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force, the latter of which conducts solid-fuel Qased launches from a separate adjacent military site. Heavy international sanctions — US Treasury OFAC, EU restrictive measures, and UN Security Council Resolution 2231 — restrict all foreign commercial engagement and dual-use technology transfer.
| Region | Middle East |
| Country | 🇮🇷 Iran |
| Coordinates | 35.2346° N, 53.9210° E |
| Ownership | Military |
| Parent Entity | Iranian Space Agency (ISA) + IRGC Aerospace Force |
| Regulatory Regime | Iranian Space Agency (ISA) civil; IRGC Aerospace Force military; subject to UN Security Council Resolution 2231 missile-technology restrictions and US OFAC / EU sanctions blocking all Western commercial engagement |
| Latitude Advantage | 35.2°N — moderate latitude with no significant inclination advantage; primarily political/sovereignty driven site choice |
| Azimuth Range | Southeast to east azimuths over Afghanistan/Pakistan deserts and Indian Ocean |
| Website | https://isa.ir/ |
Active Users
Strategic Value
Sovereign launch capability for civilian and military payloads despite comprehensive Western sanctions. Zero commercial-investor relevance due to sanctions regime; included for completeness as one of only nine nations with indigenous orbital capability.
Recent Activity
Soraya satellite reached ~750 km orbit on Qaem-100 solid-fuel rocket in January 2024 — highest-altitude Iranian launch to date; multiple Pars-1, Mahda, Keyhan-2 satellites deployed 2024-2025.