Iran’s state broadcaster has launched its first dedicated geostationary satellite, “Jam-e Jam 1,” internationally registered as “Iran DBS,” in what officials describe as a significant move to enhance the country’s space-based media capabilities.

The satellite belongs to the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) and was sent into space from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, The Caspian Post reports, citing Iranian media.

It successfully entered orbit shortly after liftoff aboard a Proton-M rocket, which also carried a Russian meteorological satellite.

According to IRIB’s Media Development and Technology Department, Jam-e Jam 1 marks the initial technical and operational phase in deploying next-generation interactive radio and television broadcasting systems.

The satellite has been engineered to deliver interactive audio and video transmissions to terrestrial public broadcasting centers, forming the foundation for future interactive mass media services.

Under the current timetable, Jam-e Jam 1 is expected to be maneuvered and positioned at its designated orbital slot of 34 degrees East within three weeks. Authorities say this location will ensure optimal coverage for IRIB’s communication needs.

Officials emphasized that Jam-e Jam 1 is designed for specialized applications. Unlike direct-to-home (DTH) satellites intended for individual household receivers, its signals can only be accessed through professional broadcasting equipment and are not available via standard home satellite dishes.

The initiative provides the technical infrastructure required to integrate interactive broadcasting technologies into the national media network and represents what officials described as a new phase in strengthening Iran’s technological self-reliance in the space sector.

Earlier this month, Hassan Salariyeh, head of the Iranian Space Agency (ISA), announced plans to launch additional satellites and inaugurate new space initiatives before the end of the current Iranian calendar year on March 20.

He also revealed that the primary prototype of the Martyr Qassem Soleimani satellite system will soon be unveiled. The project, designed for low Earth orbit, has been described as Iran’s first satellite constellation and the first of its kind in the Muslim world.

Salariyeh’s comments coincided with National Space Technology Day on February 3, during which Iran presented its latest space achievements. These included the introduction of a domestically developed satellite, the release of the first images captured by the recently launched Paya satellite, and the unveiling of a new space facility.

Iran officially entered the space arena in February 2009 with the launch of its first domestically produced satellite, Omid (Hope), using a Safir rocket.

Despite facing sanctions from Western countries, Iran has continued to expand its civilian space program and is now regarded as one of the countries capable of independently designing and launching satellites.