April 5, 2006 :: News
Iran’s recent satellite launch demonstrates that the Islamic Republic is attempting to master a new range of sophisticated technologies—satellites and rockets—which could be used to further its nuclear program. William J. Broad and David E. Sanger examine this issue in the
New York Times, providing quotes from a broad range of military and space experts. The spacecraft, a microsatellite weighing a few hundred kilograms, was launched last October from Russia. Iran claims that its space program is aimed at improving telecommunications and monitoring natural disasters. However, Iran is currently developing its own delivery devices, the biggest of which “could hurl not only satellites into space but warheads between continents,” according to Broad and Sanger. Thus, while it might be tempting to dismiss Iran’s efforts as crude and benign, Iran’s space-based technologies could very well be used for strategic purposes. If Iran had the ability to monitor and guide its nuclear missiles to their targets, it would become a much more capable and deadly enemy.
(Article)
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