# Omid

> communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q639824](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q639824)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omid)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/omid

## Summary  
Omid is a communications satellite and Iran's first domestically launched artificial satellite. It was launched into low Earth orbit on February 2, 2009, using the Iranian-made launch vehicle Sapphire-2. The satellite operated for approximately 83 days before re-entering Earth's atmosphere on April 25, 2009.

## Key Facts  
- Launched on **February 2, 2009**, from the **Imam Khomeini Space Launch Terminal** in Iran  
- Mass: **27.27 kilograms**  
- Orbit: **Low Earth orbit** with an altitude ranging from **258 km (periapsis)** to **364 km (apoapsis)**  
- Orbital period: **90.72 minutes**  
- Operator: **Iranian Space Agency**  
- Country of origin: **Iran**  
- COSPAR ID: **2009-004A**  
- Re-entered Earth’s atmosphere on **April 25, 2009**

## FAQs  

### Q: What is Omid?  
A: Omid is a communications satellite developed and launched by Iran. It marked Iran's first successful attempt at launching a domestically built satellite into orbit.

### Q: When was Omid launched?  
A: Omid was launched on **February 2, 2009**, making it a milestone in Iran's space program.

### Q: How long did Omid stay in orbit?  
A: Omid remained operational for about **83 days** before decaying and re-entering Earth's atmosphere on **April 25, 2009**.

## Why It Matters  
Omid holds historical significance as the first satellite successfully placed into orbit by Iran using its own launch technology. Its development and deployment demonstrated Iran's growing capabilities in aerospace engineering and space exploration. As part of Iran's broader national space ambitions, Omid symbolized technological self-reliance and strategic advancement in telecommunications infrastructure. Though short-lived in orbit, it represented a major step forward for the Iranian Space Agency and inspired subsequent domestic satellite projects.

## Notable For  
- First Iranian satellite launched using an Iranian-made rocket  
- Symbolic achievement in establishing independent access to space  
- Lightweight design optimized for low Earth orbit operations  
- Operated entirely under Iranian control without foreign involvement  
- Marked the beginning of Iran's active participation in the global space community

## Body  

### Overview  
Omid ("Hope" in Persian) was Iran's inaugural artificial satellite and a key milestone in the country's emerging space program. Designed primarily for communication purposes, it was launched aboard the indigenously developed **Sapphire-2** rocket.

### Technical Specifications  
The satellite had a mass of **27.27 kg** and followed an elliptical low Earth orbit characterized by:
- Periapsis: **258 km**
- Apoapsis: **364 km**
- Orbital inclination: **55.51 degrees**
- Orbital period: **90.72 minutes**
- Eccentricity: **0**

These parameters indicate a nearly circular orbit typical for small experimental satellites.

### Mission Timeline  
- **Launch Date**: February 2, 2009  
- **Launch Site**: Imam Khomeini Space Launch Terminal  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Sapphire-2  
- **Decay & Reentry**: April 25, 2009  

Despite its brief mission duration, Omid transmitted telemetry data during its operational phase, confirming functionality and providing valuable experience for future missions.

### Operational Control  
The satellite was managed by the **Iranian Space Agency**, marking one of the earliest examples of fully autonomous satellite operation within the nation’s aerospace initiatives.

### Legacy  
Omid paved the way for later Iranian satellites such as **Rasad** and **Navid**, reinforcing the country's commitment to developing sovereign space technologies. It also served as both a scientific and political statement regarding Iran's increasing technical independence.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013