Kevjn Lim and Gil Braham, two researchers and professors at Tel Aviv University, in their article in Foreign Policy writes: “Iran’s Army is advancing more complicated in the space technologies.” Then in their article both writers pointed to Iran’s efforts in the mid-January and early February to attempt launches of “Payam” (Message) and “Doosti” (Friendship) satellites. They wrote although both launches failed to be placed into orbit, the U.S. reacted seriously and claimed both satellite launch vehicles (SLVs) in launch of satellites used the same base technology as multistage intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).
Lim and Braham in their analysis believe that yet the national-security significance of Iran’s space program far surpasses its implications for the ICBMs. They added Iran’s growing presence in outer space, especially when combined with its growing capabilities in cyberspace, strengthens all aspects of its hard power.
According to this analysis, Iran’s successes have so far focused on low Earth orbit (LEO), the highest-traffic band of space, located up to 1200 kilometers from Earth.
On the usage of launching satellites into the orbit, Lim and Braham write: “This area is generally used for Earth observation, some limited communication systems and, most famously, as a perch for the International Space Station. Iran is now aiming to take a variety of satellites farther afield into the next two bands of space, known as medium Earth orbit (MEO) and geosynchronous equatorial orbit (GEO). Located at up to 12,500 miles and 22,000 miles from Earth, these are used for navigation systems such as GPS, as well as internet, television, and radio broadcast systems.”
These two analysts then pointed to the current arms race among the U.S., China and Russia in the space technology, adding that the emerging security dilemma has accordingly prompted even other states to develop counterspace capabilities aimed essentially at mastering the new terrain.
They continue to write: “Iran, for his part, has been slowly but steadily improving capabilities linked to intelligence, reconnaissance, and early-warning systems. It has reportedly already managed to use space technologies to spoof the GPS system of an American drone, blind a U.S. spy satellite using directed energy, and use advanced jamming techniques against western commercial satellites.”
Israeli and American scientists’ concerns and publishing a warning article in Foreign Policy means that Iran has taken calculated and precise steps for expanding science and technologies like space science and it invests seriously on this prestigious field to improve its stand in the world.
Of course, it seems such astonishing scientific leaps have no room in the current Iranian Government. So in major reviews and assessments we find out that the West considers the presence of committed and revolutionary people in the science and technology sector of Iran fully worrying and threatening.
BY: Hamid Reza Naghashian
