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Heading to Space for Peace
On 4th February 2008 I.R. Iran successfully
launched the sub-orbital rocket Safir (stands for “Envoy”) from its newly
opened domestic launch site in northeast. This test was considered to be a
major step towards country's attempt to launch its first home-made low-orbit
research satellite Omid (Hope). The probe that was sent into
space by I.R. Iran’s Launch Vehicle (IRILV) sends real-time data back to earth from the altitude of about 250 km. Launch of Safir
(announced as Kavoshgar-1 or Explorer-1 by the media) was a preparatory mission
for orbiting Omid this summer. The Minister of Communications and Information
Technology whose Ministry covers space related civil activities said, “For
research and to remove the problems raised by earthquakes, floods,
desertification and deforestation, communications and service providing to the remote
areas that is only possible relying on space technology we need for attendance
in space.” The near-polar orbit Omid will fly at an altitude of 650 km above
the Earth and will pass over Iran
six times every 24 hours. I.R. Iran put into orbit its Russian-made satellite
Sina-1 on 27th October
2005. Nevertheless, Iran
has pursued a space program for several years. The idea of using space and its
technologies for the peaceful purposes and nation's welfare is as old as the
time when Iran
joined other 17 countries to establish the UN ad-hoc Committee for International
Cooperation on Space in 1958 which later changed its name to the Committee of
Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). Space technology applications was spread
in Iran by the different organizations and bodies but for institutionalizing
such the efforts Iranians had to wait by 1st February 2004 when the
Iranian Space Agency (ISA) began its activity following the approval of the
Parliament on 10th December 2003 for establishment of the Agency. It
is mandated to both cover and support all the activities concerning the
peaceful applications of space science and technology under leadership of Iran's
Supreme Space Council chaired by the President of I.R. Iran. “We believe this
is a long and practical step forward not only towards concentrating our efforts
in advancing relevant science and technology in effective use of outer space
for peaceful purposes but also to enhance our cooperation at the international
level for this very well deserved purpose,” said the President of the Agency on
the occasion of its establishment.
Policy making for the peaceful
application of space technologies, manufacturing, launching and use of the
national research satellites, approving space related programs of state and
private institutions and organizations, promoting the partnership of the
private and cooperative sectors in efficient uses of space, and identifying
guidelines concerning the regional and international cooperation in space
issues and clarifying the position of the country to the above-mentioned bodies
are the aims that the Supreme Space Council assigned ISA for implementing them
and Council’s strategies.
Promoting the applications of space science and technology for peaceful
purposes is both a vital part of Iran's current plans and very essential part of
its strategy. This includes close attention to the important concepts such as
public awareness, capacity building, research and exchange of experience
simultaneous with the expansion of bilateral and multilateral cooperation in
the regional and global levels. In addition to Iran's maximum efforts towards such activities
the need to expand national capabilities in application of technology is always
felt. This expansion has been recognized in the country’s mid-term and
long-term plans leading to emergence of Earth Observation and satellite
manufacturing industry in Iran. In light of the continuous capacity
building and development of expert human resources and scientists in recent few
decades the practical achievements for manufacturing satellites includes:
- Small satellite
Mesbah (Lantern) that is a store and forward communication satellite,
basically aimed at know-how in the process of design, assembly and expansion
of international cooperation in the space field as well. The project is
carried out in cooperation with Italy.
- Sina-1, the
first Iranian satellite launched by a Russian Kosmos-3M rocket from
Plestesk launch site in Russian
Federation to
the altitude of 700 km, is a small satellite with the research mission on
remote sensing and communications. It is a near polar orbiter with the
inclination of 98.18 degrees and period of 98.64 minutes.
- Small
Multi-Mission Satellite (SMMS), an international joint venture in
cooperation with China and Thailand that is mainly aimed at disaster and
environmental monitoring. It is a medium low earth orbit sun-synchronous
satellite weighing 490 kg and to fly 650 km above Earth.
Moreover, Zohreh, Pars, ZS4 and Sepehr are also the spacecrafts with
Earth Observation and communication missions that the Iranian experts
are engaged in their development. In addition to space segment, Iran
has been developing its ground segments and facilities for communications and
data gathering since long ago. Boomhen, Asadabad and Isfahan
are the stations established for communication purposes while the old Mahdasht
Ground Receiving Stations is being developed to become the Mahdasht
Space Center
in the near future.
To attain the position that it
deserves in the global arena of endeavor for benefiting space and related
technologies peacefully and for well-being Iran relies on its human sources as
well as expertise and knowledge that is being accumulated continuously in
course of enthusiastic efforts for experimenting and experiencing to head to
space for peace and prosperity of the nation.
Parviz Tarikhi
Parviz
Tarikhi is a space
science and technology senior expert based in Iran. With
background in Physics he
presently heads Microwave Remote Sensing Department of Mahdasht Satellite
Receiving Station. In course of his cooperation with the United Nations
Committee of Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN-COPUOS) since 2000, he worked as
the Committee Bureau member in the capacity of Second Vice-Chairman and
Rapporteur in 2004-06. He has co-chaired the Action Team number one of the
Recommendations of UNISPACE-III aiming to "Develop a comprehensive
worldwide environmental monitoring strategy" since 2001. From 2004 to 2007
he conducted the Office for Specialized International Affairs of the Iranian
Space Agency. He is at the same time a freelance journalist and
scientific-technical writer for about two decades. Write to him through his
e-mail address at parviz_tarikhi@hotmail.com
.
Image Captions:
[Safir-IRILV.jpg]
Iran’s Launch Vehicle Safir, prepared for launching to space
(images credit: Iranian
Space Agency)
[Mesbah.jpg]
Mesbah satellite at the lab
(images
credit: Iranian Space Agency)
[Mahdasht71121.jpg]
Mahdasht satellite receiving station is being
developed to become a Space Center
(images credit:
Parviz Tarikhi, author)
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