iranian space program - global aspects

Paper number

IAC-09.E3.P.9

Author

Mr. Tal Inbar, Fisher Institute for Air and Space Strategic Studies, Israel

Year

2009

Abstract

Iran is pursuing space from the times of the Shah. However, the past decade showed a coherent path toward independence in both satellite building and launch capability. The successful launch of Iran’s first satellite on boar an Iranian launch vehicle made Iran the new comer to the world’s “space club”. However, Iran's space program is widely considered as a tool for disguise the development of ballistic missiles, and not as a true effort to become a space faring nation. In the article the various space programs of Iran will be analyzed, especially the indigenous satellite "Omid" and launch vehicle "Safir". The various aspects of Iran's space related missiles will be presented, and the possible military uses of these launchers will be discussed. Thorough analysis of Iran's demonstration of experimental launcher will be presented, as well as the close ties between the ballistic missiles programs and the emerging space program. 

\begin{itemize}\item \end{itemize}The strong synergy between ballistic missiles and space launchers has existed since the early days of the space age when the Soviet Union's first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the R7, was used to orbit Sputnik 1. The U.S.'s first intermediate-range ballistic missile, the Redstone, was used to orbit the Explorer 1. Iran has followed the same route, as is evident from the Safir first stage, which is almost indistinguishable from the Shahab 3 ballistic missile. True, its propulsion technology hails back to the Scud missiles of the 1950s. But in the missile business old is not necessarily obsolete. Witness for example the Soviet R7 rocket that lofted Sputnik 1 half a century ago and is still going strong today as the first stage of the very reliable Soyuz launcher. Similarly, the Safir's rocket technology will continue to be used for ballistic missiles in the foreseeable future.

The satellites of Iran will also be discussed, and a road map of the Iranian space program will be draw, based on various sources, from speeches of Iranian officials to analysis of web based materials, both official and unofficial. We will examine the Iranian motivation to enter the space arena, the role of national pride and prestige, the technological spin offs and the political and international applications of space capable Iran, both regional and global.

\begin{itemize}\item \end{itemize}The launch of Iran's first domestically developed satellite on board an indigenous launch vehicle, dubbed by some as “Iranian Sputnik”, has profound implications both regionally and globally. All these aspect will be thoroughly discussed in the article. To argue that the Safir is too puny to be used as an ICBM is to miss the big picture. It is the technology and talent behind the Safir that is cause for trepidation. Taken in context, the Safir demonstrates scientific and engineering proficiency coupled with global-range missile technology in the hands of a radical regime and a nuclear wannabe. Iran's disclosed road map to space includes more capable, heavier and higher orbiting satellites. This will require heftier space launchers, the construction of which would enrich Iran's rocket-team experience and whose building blocks could easily be used for ICBMs in due time.

Abstract document

IAC-09.E3.P.9.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-09.E3.P.9.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.