Rasad 1 [Farsnews]
Official name RASAD 1
Alternative name Rasad
Cospar ID 2011-025A
Norad ID 37675
Launch date 2011-06-15
Launch site SEM
Launch vehicle Safir-1A
Country/Organization Iran
Type application Technology
Operator Malek Ashtar University, Tehran
RCS size MEDIUM
Decay date 2011-07-06
Shape Hex Cyl
Mass (kg) 13
Diameter (m) 0.2
Height (m) 0.5
Span (m^2) 0.5
Lifetime 2 months (planned); 21 days (achieved)
Contractors Malek Ashtar University, Tehran
Equipment Camera
Propulsion None
Configuration Octagonal prism
Power Solar cells, batteries

Rasad 1 is an Iranian nanosatellite built by the Malek Ashtar University in Tehran. The 15 kg satellite has an operational life of 2 months and orbits the earth in a height of 260 km. It is an experimental Earth observation satellite with a resolution of about 150 meters. Stabilization is provided by an extendable gravity gradient boom.

In line with research and development plans in space science and technology, on June 15, 2011 a Safir Satellite Launch Vehicle placed the Iranian satellite Rasad-1 into the LEO. Rasad was equipped with body-mounted solar panels to generate power for the batteries, with no limitation in the power source. Stabilization is provided by an extendable gravity gradient boom. It was the country?s first imaging satellite, and was a joint development by the Malek Ashtar Technical University. This 15.3 kg satellite with a life span of 21 days performed its mission successfully, beaming images with 150 m resolution to its receiving station and reentering the atmosphere on July 6, 2011. It was the third Iranian satellite and the second to be orbited using an indigenous launcher.

Satellite COSPAR Date LS Launch Vehicle Remarks
RASAD 1 2011-025A 2011-06-15 SEM Safir-1A