Government Space Program

An extensive view of the activities and budgets of government space programs.
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Key figures from 2024

Ranking*

26th

5 year growth

6%

Space budget

192

USD MILLION

% of GDP

0.05%

Per capita

2.1

USD

Civil / Defense

74/26%

*As of previous year end

Top 3 applications

Launchers

76

USD million
39% of total budget

Earth observation

72

USD million
38% of total budget

Satcom

23

USD million
12% of total budget

48%

5 year
CAGR

Sample of selected missions

Satcom

2030s
Soleimani

Satnav

-
-

Earth observation

2024
Soraya

Meteorology

-
-

Science and Exploration

-
-

Technology

2024
Mahda

Human spaceflight

-
-

Launchers

2024
Qhaem-100

Security

-
-

Space sector overview

The Iranian space programs are managed and implemented by different entities including the Supreme Space Council, the Iranian Space Agency (ISA) as well as the Iranian Space Research Center. In early 2023, ISA, in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Supreme Space Council, released a new 10-year strategic space plan in order to become a regional hub in the space sector.

In 2024, Iran’s space investments are estimated at US$192 million with a large domination of civil funding. Launchers are considered the main application area, representing 49% of the civil budget, the rest being divided between Telecommunications, Earth observation (EO), Technology and Human Spaceflight. Defense, at the program level, seems to prioritize reconnaissance programs, but not only.

Iran’s ambition to develop its launch program is related to its desire to develop indigenous propulsion technology, independently access space, and benefit from military synergies. The country is currently developing a new spaceport, Chahbahar. Iran also places great importance on developing its EO satellites fleet for civil activities such as mapping and environmental monitoring as well as for military applications. Since the adoption of the 10-year strategic plan, the country has announced new programs notably in the Telecommunications field with the General Soleimani Satellite Project.

Total budget evolution
in IRR millions

Filter the graph by selecting years and applications on the Data table tab

Total budget evolution
in IRR millions

Filter the graph by selecting years and applications on the Data table tab

Government Space Resources