Iran's Defence Ministry announced on December 6 a successful space launch that placed two satellites into low Earth orbit, local media reported.

The launch marks what it claims is a new record for the country's space programme regarding payload mass. The Simorgh carrier rocket successfully deployed the Saman-1 orbital transfer block, developed by the Iranian Space Agency, and the Fakhr-1 military satellite, built for the Islamic Republic's armed forces, into a 400-kilometre orbit, according to IRIB.

The launch vehicle, powered by liquid fuel in a two-stage configuration, reportedly carried a combined payload of 300 kilogrammes, which Iranian officials described as their heaviest successful orbital insertion.

The Defence Ministry reported the precision of the orbital insertion, citing a velocity tolerance of less than 50 metres per second at the target speed of 7,754 metres per second.

Technical specifications released by Iranian authorities indicate that the Simorgh launcher weighs approximately 80 tonnes and operates with a first-stage burn time of 105 seconds followed by a 340-second second-stage burn.

This launch represents a significant development in Iran's space capabilities, particularly as the Simorgh is described as the country's only indigenous launch vehicle capable of delivering such payloads to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

Western observers have previously expressed concern that Iran's space programme could contribute to the development of long-range missile technology.

The announcement comes amid ongoing international tensions regarding Iran's military and technological advancement programmes.

While Iranian officials said their space programme's civilian and scientific nature, Western nations have historically viewed such launches with scepticism, suggesting potential military applications.

Earlier in September, Iran launched the Simorgh carrier rocket, following the successful deployment of the Chamran 1 research satellite.

Iran had previously launched the Sorayya satellite using the same rocket in January.

The UK, Germany and France condemned the launch and claimed that the space carrier utilises technology for developing long-range ballistic missile systems, Reuters reported on January 26.