Semnan Space Center#Circular Launch Platform
{{Short description|Iranian Space Center}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2018}}
{{coord|35.2346|N|53.9221|E|display=title}}
{{Infobox Space agency
|name = Semnan Space Center
|acronym =
|image =سیمرغ - افتتاح پایگاه ملی فضایی امام خمینی(ره) (4).jpg
|size =
|caption =
|spaceport = Imam Khomeini Space Launch Terminal
|established = 1 February 2004
|owner = Iranian Space Agency
|headquarters = Semnan, Semnan Province
|budget =
|administrator = Iranian Space Agency
| coordinates = {{coord|35.2346|N|53.9221|E|type:landmark_region:AR_dim:2000|display=inline}}
| pushpin_map = Iran
|website={{url|isa.ir}}}}
{{geogroup}}
Semnan Space Center (Persian:{{lang|fa|مرکز فضایی سمنان}}) is the primary Iranian spaceport, located 50 km southeast of the city of Semnan in the north of the country.
History
Media attention on the space center began when Iranian authorities announced their intent to launch an artificial satellite within weeks on 16 August 2008.{{cite web |url=http://www2.irna.ir/ch/news/view/line-52/0808167168204858.htm |title=伊朗将于下周发射自主生产的卫星 |publisher=伊通社 |date=August 16, 2008 |access-date=August 18, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080912173246/http://www2.irna.ir/ch/news/view/line-52/0808167168204858.htm |archive-date=September 12, 2008}} On 17 August 2008, Iran proceeded, as preannounced, with the second test launch of a three stage Safir SLV from a site {{coord|35|14|5|N|53|55|15|E|}} south of Semnan in the northern part of the Dasht-e-Kavir desert. Reza Taghizadeh, head of the Iranian Aerospace Organization, told state television "The Safir (Ambassador) satellite carrier was launched today and for the first time we successfully launched a dummy satellite into orbit".{{cite news |title=Iran says it has put first dummy satellite in orbit |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-satellite/iran-says-it-has-put-first-dummy-satellite-in-orbit-idUSHAF75296620080817 |work=Reuters |access-date=2023-01-27}} As reported in late 2009 and early 2010, a new, larger launch pad was under construction at {{coord|35|15|30|N|53|57|17|E}}.{{Cite web |url=http://defense-update.com/photos/semnan_space_center_021209.html |title=Massive Construction Visible at Iran's Missile & Space Center at Semnan |access-date=April 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171025075114/http://defense-update.com/photos/semnan_space_center_021209.html |archive-date=October 25, 2017 |url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO1003/S00147.htm|title=Imagery of Construction of New Launch Site in Iran | Scoop News|website=www.scoop.co.nz}}
Launch sites
=Circular launch platform=
The Circular Launch Platform is the oldest launch pad and also recognizable by the light blue background with the original logo of the Iran Space Agency (ISA).The platform has a simplified character and consists of a leveled terrain with a circular asphalted section of a diameter of 65 m, at the center of which is a service tower.
File:2019-08-29 Safir launch failure.jpg|Circular Launch Platform after a launch failure.
File:Safir space launch vehicle carrying Fajr satellite 11.jpg|Safir rocket on the Circular Launch Platform.
File:Safir space launch vehicle carrying Fajr satellite 10.jpg|Safir rocket on the Circular Launch Platform.
=Main Launch Platform=
{{main|Imam Khomeini Space Launch Terminal}}
The Main Launch Platform (Imam Khomeini Space Launch Terminal) is located at the east of the complex on a specially enclosed octagonal area measuring 900 x 660 m and covering an area of 51.4 ha, representing the largest single element of the new space center. The units are accessed by a road from the northwest, which is within the perimeter of the three rays and forms two main inner zones – almost completely built lower and newly initiated upper (state of 2015). The lower zone consists of spacious launching platforms with towers and four larger compartments for installation and storage.
File:Simorgh Launch Pad at Imam Khomeini Space Center.png|An axonometric sketch of the Main Launch Platform, left to right:
- fuel tank (piped drains)
- launch ramp with Simorgh
- auxiliary service facilities.
File:سیمرغ - افتتاح پایگاه ملی فضایی امام خمینی(ره) (1).jpg|Simorgh launching from Main Launch Platform, 2017.
File:Simorgh Payam launch FARS 06.jpg|Simorgh launcher with the Payam satellite at Main Launch Platform, 2019
File:Simorgh Payam launch 07.jpg|Simorgh launching from the Main Launch Platform, 2019.
| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;" |
| colspan="2" | Map of the Semnan Space Center |
|---|
| File:Imam Khomeini Space Center map.png
| Legend:{{Legend-line|blue solid 3px|Road communication}}{{Legend-line|red solid 3px|Main facilities and installations}}{{Legend-line|green dotted 3px|Inclination launch (55°-66°)}}Installations: |
Launch history
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Iranian space program}}
{{Spaceport}}
Category:Rocket launch sites in Iran