Cross-posted and expanded from the Space Warfare Forum: The top item on Spaceflight Now this morning was a single paragraph about Iran launching a satellite. I expect they’ll expand that as they get more information.
The Reuters story about the launch quotes the Iranian foreign minister saying the satellite was for “purely peaceful purposes,” but what else are they going to say? You think they’re going to say, openly, “Yes, we want to use our new satellite to look at the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and imagine what it will be like once we have destroyed the nation of Israel”?
Of course they say it’s for peaceful purposes.
Kudos to Reuters for pointing out that “The long-range ballistic technology used to put satellites into orbit can also be used for launching weapons,” even though “Iran says it has no plans to do so.” Again, what else are they going to say? I just hope our government — and by that, I mean the upper echelons, outside the military — keep their eyes open as they consider the possibilities.
Finally, an invitation: If you or anyone you know is interested in space policy, space strategy, etc., you’re welcome to join the Space Warfare Forum.
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Thanks, gents. I remember discussing the possibility of an Iranian direct-ascent nuclear ASAT back in the 90s in my USMT class. I don’t think many people outside the military realize just how serious this could turn out to be.
Not sure what inclinations are available for Iranian satellites, but consider them putting their first nuclear weapon in orbit and detonating it as it passes over the U.S. It appears they may have that capability within the next year.
Given the announcement that President Obama made today about not weaponizing space, we may not be prepared to counter anything the Iranians do.
Notice the satellite’s name: Omid (Hope). I wonder if the next one will be named after the Farsi word for Change?
Another lie: “In Iran’s history, in the last 100 years, you cannot point to aggression by Iran against any nation,” he said.
Of course you can’t pin aggression on Iran, they simply use proxy fighters in Israel (Hezbollah) and Iraq.
Why won’t they unclench their fists?