Iran launches heaviest space payload into orbit

On Friday, Iran successfully launched its heaviest space payload, which includes a satellite and a space tug, using a domestically developed satellite carrier, official media reported.

Weighing 300 kilogrammes, the payload consisted of the Fakhr-1 telecommunications satellite and the Saman-1 space tug.  The Saman-1 is an "orbital transmission system" designed to transport satellites from lower orbits to higher ones. The launch marks an "operational step" toward transferring satellites into higher orbits.