Ministry spokesperson Ahmad Hosseini told Iran’s official news agency IRNA on Wednesday that three research-oriented launches had been planned for the Zoljanah satellite carrier.

While one has already taken place, two other launches are in the offing, he said.

“Zoljanah is a three-phase carrier, which runs on hybrid fuel and the performance of different stages is examined and evaluated during each research launch," the official explained.

Following the incorporation of required technology and successful operation, the Zoljanah satellite carrier will be capable of putting "payloads weighing up to 220 kilograms into the orbit at an altitude of 500 kilometers,” Hosseini stressed.

Iran's defense ministry launched the Zoljanah satellite carrier into space for the first time in February 2021, which was broadcast live on state TV.

Zoljanah is named after the horse of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. The satellite carrier is 25.5 meters in length and weighs about 52 tons. It utilizes a 1.5-meter diameter solid fuel engine with 74 tons of thrust,reports IRNA.

Meanwhile, the US has asked Iran to de-escalate the situation.

“Iran has consistently chosen to escalate tensions. It is Iran that has consistently chosen to take provocative actions,” US State Department spokesperson Price was quoted as saying by The Times of Israel.