Iran has launched a new research satellite, Chamran-1, into orbit, advancing its aerospace program despite warnings from Western countries that the technology could be used for ballistic missiles. The satellite, weighing 60kg, aims to test hardware and software systems for orbital manoeuvring technology. It was launched by the Ghaem-100 rocket, Iran’s first three-stage solid-fuel satellite launcher. Western governments have expressed concerns that Iran’s satellite launches could also be used to develop nuclear-capable ballistic missiles. However, Iran maintains that its activities are for peaceful and defensive purposes only.
Iran has been defiant, insisting that its aerospace activities comply with UN Security Council resolutions, despite setbacks such as satellites exploding during launch. In January, the Sorayya satellite was launched into a 750km orbit, the highest by the country so far. In February, Russia launched an Iranian satellite, drawing condemnation from the US. Iran’s telecommunications minister stated that Iran had conducted a dozen satellite launches in the past two years.
Iran has been faced with crippling Western sanctions, particularly since the US withdrew from the nuclear deal in 2018. Despite this, Iran continues to advance its aerospace program, emphasizing its civilian and defensive nature. The recent launch of the Chamran-1 satellite marks another milestone in Iran’s efforts to develop its aerospace capabilities, while also highlighting the ongoing tensions with Western countries over Iran’s missile and satellite technology.
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