Iran Tests Missiles in Exercise
Iranian television has announced the beginning of a military exercise Sunday, involving the tests of short range missiles. The Muharram Missile Exercise is said to be taking place in the Garmsar region, outside Tehran. The 350km-range Zelzal and the 70km-range Fajr-3 rocket were reportedly among those tested. These missiles are of course modest compared to Iran's more capable 2,000km-range Shahab-3/4.
The Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran radio quoted a Commander A'ineh of the Revolutionary Guard as saying that the exercises were to test the ability to attack an enemy at a variety of distances. (Article, Link)
» More stories on: Testing - Foreign, Iran
» Missile details: Zelzal-1/2/3
Chinese Test Anti-Satellite Weapon
Aviation Week & Space Technology reports that China has successfully performed an anti-satellite (ASAT) test at an altitude around 500 miles. The test reportedly took place on January 11, with an aging Chinese weather satellite being destroyed. The satellite, designated FY-1C, was reportedly targeted with a kinetic kill vehicle launched on board a ballistic missile. A cloud of debris reportedly exists in the satellite's prior orbit. The capability to destroy space-based systems is a significant one, given the extent the United States depends upon such systems.
(Article, Link)
» New York Times: National Security Council Confirms Chinese ASAT Test
» More stories on: China, Testing - Foreign, Space-Based Systems
