The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran recently achieved a milestone by launching their first military satellite named Noor, which translates to ‘light’. While this launch is a subject of debate and concern due to escalating tensions with the US, Iran maintains that it hasn’t violated any UN resolutions.
Iran’s First Military Satellite Launch
Noor was successfully placed in orbit at a height of 425km via a three-stage Ghased launcher. Despite prior unsuccessful attempts, this particular mission recorded a successful launch. However, no independent confirmation regarding the launch’s success has been received.
Role of the Paramilitary Force
The IRGC, accountable only to the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, conducted the launch. Operating parallel to Iran’s regular armed forces, the IRGC utilized the previously unheard Ghased or “Messenger” satellite launcher to put Noor into orbit. This launcher uses a combination of both liquid and solid fuel.
Escalating Tensions Amidst Global Pandemic
Despite being severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, Iran’s decision to focus on strategic competition raises concerns among global observers. The launch happens amid ongoing tensions between Iran and the US due to the collapsed nuclear deal and the killing of Iran’s top military commander Gen. Qassem Soleimani by a U.S. drone strike in Iraq in January 2020.
Iran-US Nuclear Standoff
In 2015, Iran entered a long-term agreement on its nuclear programme known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with the P5+1 – the US, UK, France, China, Russia, and Germany. The current launch stands against the backdrop of this contentious nuclear agreement.
US Alleges Potential ICBM Development
US administration under President Trump asserts that Iran’s technological advancements in satellite launches could potentially aid in the development of Inter Continental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs). It also stresses that such activities violate a UN Security Council resolution that asks Iran not to “undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons”.
Iran’s Counter Argument
Conversely, Iran maintains that it has not violated the UN resolution that only requests the country to refrain from missile tests, indicating that satellite tests are not covered under the resolution. While acknowledging a technological overlap between space launches and ICBMs, Iran denies that its space program aims to develop ICBM technology.
About Inter Continental Ballistic Missiles
ICBMs are land-based ballistic missiles, typically carrying a nuclear payload, with a range of over 5,500 km, such as India’s Agni V. There also exist Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs), e.g., India’s Dhanush. The trajectory of these missiles is powered by rockets initially, followed by an unpowered, free-falling path towards the target. The travel distance depends largely on the weight of the payload and the power of the missile’s engines.
The Missile Technology Control Regime
Established in April 1987, the voluntary Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) aims to restrict the proliferation of ballistic missiles and other unmanned systems that can deliver chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons.
