Tehran says its satellite tv for pc launches are civilian in nature however the West warns the know-how can be utilized for ballistic missiles.
Iran has launched a brand new analysis satellite tv for pc into orbit, state media reported, taking one other step in advancing its aerospace programme whereas defying criticism and objections from Western international locations.
The first mission of the Chamran-1 analysis satellite tv for pc, which weighs 60kg (132 kilos), “is to check {hardware} and software program techniques for demonstrating orbital manoeuvring know-how in top and part”, state media stated on Saturday following what it stated was a “profitable” launch.
“It was put into orbit by the Ghaem-100 service,” the report stated, including that its first alerts have additionally been acquired.
The Ghaem-100 rocket, which carried the most recent satellite tv for pc, is manufactured by the Aerospace Drive of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The service is the nation’s first three-stage, solid-fuel satellite tv for pc launcher, and official media reported its use in January to ship a satellite tv for pc for the primary time into an orbit above 500km (310 miles).
Western governments have repeatedly warned Iran in opposition to such launches, saying the identical know-how can be utilized for ballistic missiles, together with ones designed to ship a nuclear warhead.
Iran maintains that it’s not searching for nuclear weapons and that its satellite tv for pc and rocket launches are for civilian or defence functions solely.
The launch comes as the USA and European international locations accuse Iran of transferring ballistic missiles to Russia that may be probably utilized in its warfare with Ukraine. Iran has denied this.
‘Peaceable’ aerospace actions
Iran has been advancing its aerospace actions, insisting they’re peaceable and in accordance with United Nations Safety Council resolutions. Nevertheless it has additionally confronted a number of setbacks with a number of of its satellites exploding throughout launch.
In January, Iranian media reported that the Sorayya satellite tv for pc had been launched right into a 750km (465-mile) orbit, the very best by the nation up to now.
In February, Russia put into orbit an Iranian remote sensing and imaging satellite, drawing condemnation from the USA.
On the time, Iran’s telecommunications minister stated Iran had carried out a dozen satellite tv for pc launches over the earlier two years.
Iran has confronted crippling Western sanctions for years, particularly after the US, underneath then-President Donald Trump, unilaterally deserted a landmark nuclear deal between Tehran and main powers in 2018.