Iran successfully has launched a research satellite into orbit using a rocket developed by the Revolutionary Guards, according to state media reports on Saturday.

This launch occurred amid accusations from the United States and European nations that Iran has been supplying ballistic missiles to Russia for use in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, claims that Iran has denied.

The Chamran-1 satellite was deployed into a 550-kilometer (340-mile) orbit by the Qaem-100 satellite carrier, with initial signals confirmed as rec eived. The solid fuel carrier was designed and constructed by the Aerospace Force of the Revolutionary Guards.

The satellite, which weighs 60 kg (132 pounds), is primarily tasked with testing hardware and software systems to demonstrate technology for orbital maneuvering in height and phase, as reported by state media.

In January, Iranian media announced the successful launch of the Sorayya satellite into a 750 km orbit, marking the highest orbit achieved by the country to date.

The U.S. military has claimed that the long-range ballistic technology utilized for satellite launches could enable Tehran to develop long-range weapons, potentially including nuclear warheads. However, Tehran refutes the notion that its satellite activities are a cover for ballistic missile development, asserting that it has never sought to develop nuclear weapons.

Additionally, state media reported that Chamran-1’s mission includes evaluating the cold gas propulsion subsystem in space systems and assessing the performance of navigation and attitude control subsystems.

Iran, which possesses one of the largest missile programs in the Middle East, has experienced several failed satellite launches in recent years due to technical difficulties.

Iran successfully had launched its domestically developed Pars 1 imaging satellite from Russia using a Soyuz rocket, aiming to scan the country’s topography from an orbit of 500 km on February 29.

Iran successfully had launched three satellites using its Simorgh rocket, marking a significant milestone amid rising tensions with Western powers. The satellites, sent to an orbit of 450 km, will test communication and geopositioning technology on January 28.

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