Significance
The Nur satellite was lifted by the two-stage Qased satellite launch vehicle (SLV) into orbit 425 kilometres from earth. This followed a second failed launch in February by the civilian arm of the space programme, which first succeeded in sending a small satellite into orbit in 2009. Although Tehran is still far from possessing a regular launch capability and US Space Command described the satellite as just “a tumbling webcam in space”, US, UK and French officials criticised the move, arguing that the technology could be used to advance Iran’s ballistic missile programme.
Impacts
US hawks will capitalise on the launch to argue that US adversaries are developing space capabilities that must be countered.
Tehran is likely soon to develop cruise missiles finally approaching the 2,000-kilometre range threshold.
Iran will focus on fielding missiles with smaller bodies, more manoeuvrable warheads, higher re-entry speeds and lower observability.
Performance Analysis of Powered Explicit Guidance for Satellite Launch Vehicle