# Noor 3

> Iranian military satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q122851792](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q122851792)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noor_3_(satellite))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/noor-3

## Summary
Noor 3 is an Iranian military satellite launched on September 27, 2023, by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) using a Qased rocket from Shahroud space center. It is part of Iran's domestic satellite program, designed to enhance the country's reconnaissance and communication capabilities.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: September 27, 2023
- **Operator**: Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
- **Country**: Iran
- **COSPAR ID**: 2023-150A
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 57962
- **Launch Vehicle**: Qased (indigenous Iranian rocket)
- **Launch Site**: Shahroud space center
- **Instance Of**: Artificial satellite of the Earth
- **Wikipedia Languages**: Arabic, English, Persian, Russian

## FAQs
### Q: When was Noor 3 launched?
A: Noor 3 was launched on September 27, 2023.

### Q: Who operates the Noor 3 satellite?
A: The satellite is operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a branch of Iran's military.

### Q: What is the purpose of Noor 3?
A: While specific details are limited, Noor 3 is classified as a military satellite, likely used for reconnaissance or communication purposes as part of Iran's strategic capabilities.

## Why It Matters
Noor 3 represents a milestone in Iran's advancing space program, showcasing the country's ability to design, launch, and operate satellites domestically. As a military asset, it underscores Iran's efforts to bolster its strategic surveillance and communication infrastructure, reducing reliance on foreign technology. The launch by the IRGC highlights the military's expanding role in Iran's aerospace ambitions, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. The satellite's successful deployment also demonstrates the functionality of Iran's Qased rocket, reinforcing the nation's position among countries with independent space launch capabilities.

## Notable For
- **Third in Series**: Part of the Noor satellite series, following Noor 1 (2020) and Noor 2 (2023).
- **IRGC Involvement**: Directly operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, reflecting military oversight of key space projects.
- **Indigenous Technology**: Launched using the domestically produced Qased rocket, emphasizing Iran's self-reliance in aerospace.
- **Geopolitical Significance**: Launched amid regional tensions, underscoring Iran's pursuit of strategic autonomy in space-based capabilities.

## Body
### Launch Details
Noor 3 was launched on **September 27, 2023**, at **09:30 UTC** from **Shahroud space center** in Semnan Province, Iran. The launch vehicle, **Qased** (meaning "Messenger" in Persian), is a solid-fuel rocket developed by the IRGC's Aerospace Force. This marked the third use of the Qased rocket for a Noor-series satellite.

### Technical Specifications
- **COSPAR ID**: 2023-150A  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 57962  
- **Aliases**: Noor-3, نور-3 (قمر اصطناعي)  
- **Wikipedia Title**: "Noor 3 (satellite)" with entries in Arabic, English, Persian, and Russian.  

### Operator and Purpose
Operated by the **Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps**, Noor 3 is designated as a military satellite. While Iran has not disclosed specific mission details, its classification aligns with prior Noor satellites believed to support reconnaissance or secure communication for military operations.

### International Context
The launch occurred amid heightened scrutiny of Iran's space program, with some nations expressing concerns about the dual-use potential of its rocket technology. Iran maintains that its space activities are peaceful and compliant with international law, emphasizing the program's role in scientific and technological advancement.