Maxar Images: Iran Prepares for Satellite Launch Vehicle Test
As tensions persist over the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program, Iran apparently is preparing to launch a satellite launch vehicle. Images from technology company Maxar of the “Imam Khomeini Base” in Semnan show a missile positioned on a launch pad.
Maxar has released images showing Iran’s preparations to launch a satellite launch vehicle. The images are from the “Imam Khomeini” terminal in Semnan Province, and in one of them a missile is positioned on a dedicated launch pad; a condition that suggests an imminent launch.
Several other failed attempts to place a satellite in orbit have been made from this base.
The Associated Press reported that NASA satellites had not detected any activity in the sky above this base until the evening of Tuesday, June 14. (Tuesday, June 14, 1401 Persian calendar)
The Islamic Republic’s representative to the United Nations did not respond to the Associated Press’s inquiry on this matter, and Tehran officials have not yet confirmed the satellite launch vehicle test.
The state news agency IRNA previously reported in May, citing Hassan Salarieh, head of Iran’s Space Organization, that Tehran would likely have seven satellites ready for launch by the end of the Persian year.
In recent years, Tehran has sent several satellites into Earth orbit, but the country’s space program has been largely unsuccessful. The Simorgh project has had five failed launches to date, and in 2019 a fire at the Semnan base resulted in the deaths of three researchers.
Two days before the images of the missile ready for launch at the Semnan base were transmitted, two members of the Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps died in what was called “martyrdom while on duty.” Ali Kamani, a member of the Aerospace Force unit in Khomein district, and Mohammad Abdoos, staff of this unit in Semnan, were identified.
This is the latest case of suspicious death and assassination of officials and members of the Quds Force and nuclear scientists in Iran in recent months.
In February 2021, on the occasion of the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps unveiled the “Khaybar Shakan” ballistic missile with a range of 1,450 kilometers and solid fuel. A month later, the Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced the successful launch of the Noor 2 satellite and its placement in a 500-kilometer orbit around Earth. The mission of this satellite, which was said to orbit Earth once every 90 minutes, was described as “remote sensing and reconnaissance.”
The Islamic Republic’s long-range missile program has always been a subject of contention with Western countries that are party to the 2015 nuclear deal. The United States and many of Washington’s European and regional allies accuse Iran of developing its missile program under the guise of space programs.
Source: DW
