The Minister of Defense revealed for the first time the schedule of the Iranian space program. Within 18 months, Tehran will also have a satellite in space. The project was described as part of Iran's deterrent force
Iranian Defense Minister Eli Simkhani said on Monday that Iran will launch satellites of its own production within 18 months. This is what the official news agency IRNA said."
"Iran will be the first Islamic country to reach space with self-made launchers, launch pads and satellites." Minister Simkhani was quoted. No details were given about the satellites that Iran intends to launch.
The Russian news agency Interfax said in August that Moscow plans to discuss with Tehran the possibilities of resuming a project in which Russia would be involved in building communication satellites for Iran. The director of the Russian space agency, Yuri Koptaev, was quoted as saying that Russia planned a project that Iran accepted on a technological basis, but it was frozen due to contractual problems on Iran's part.
Nigeria was the latest country so far to join the space race, when its satellite (built by a UK company) was launched from Plasset in northern Russia last September. On December 27, Israel launched its second communications satellite, Amos 2, from Kazakhstan on a Russian Soyuz launcher.
Iran also plans to launch a satellite into space
January 6th 2004
The Iranian Defense Minister vowed yesterday, Monday, 5/1/04, that his country will launch its own satellite into space within 18 months. "Iran will be the first Muslim country to enter the stratosphere with its own satellite and its own independent launch program," said the minister, Ali Samkhani. His words, delivered at an aeronautics and space conference in Tehran, are considered the first disclosure of the time frame of the Iranian space program. Iran has already developed its own submarine and long-range ballistic missile.
Iran's official news agency, IRNA, reported that Samkhani described Iran's space program as part of his country's "deterrent power". He also said that universities and the defense industry are cooperating in the work on the satellite, but did not provide details as to the type of satellite planned.
Iran has been seeking to purchase a communications satellite since the 80s, and has received offers to carry out the project from several countries. The Russian news agency Interfax reported in August that Tehran had suspended talks with Russia on the issue due to differences of opinion regarding the details of the contract.
Among the Islamic countries, Pakistan has used Russian facilities to launch satellites, but does not possess its own launch technology. Iran has been working to develop independent military technology since it severed relations with the US after the Islamic revolution in 1979.
Iran unveiled the Sabahat 2000 mini-submarine in August 15, and three years later declared the Shihab 3 missile operational. The explanation is that the missile is based on technology purchased from North Korea and Pakistan. Iran has also developed its own nuclear program, but it claims it is intended for peaceful purposes. The US suspects Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons. Last month, Iran officially agreed to allow the UN nuclear watchdog to inspect its nuclear facilities.
