Chabahar, a quiet seaport in southeastern Iran, is known for its rocky beaches and dramatic, treeless hills often called the “Martian Mountains.” For a long time, it attracted tourists looking for scenic views. But now, this coastal town is becoming a major center for something completely different — space exploration.
A Seaport Transforms into a Space Gateway
In Chabahar, Iran has been constructing a spaceport. A spaceport is like an airport, but instead of airplanes, it launches rockets into space. The aim is to make this location a hub for Iran’s space missions, similar to how Cape Canaveral in the United States is used for American space launches.
This development comes even though the country faces heavy restrictions and sanctions from the United States. Years ago, the U.S. government put sanctions on Iran’s space agency. These rules were meant to stop Iran from developing rockets that could be used both for space exploration and as weapons. However, Iran has continued to move forward, turning Chabahar into a launching point for its ambitions beyond Earth.
Technology Growth Under Pressure
Even with financial limits and international pressure, Iran’s space program has made big steps. Its national space agency and military wing have both successfully launched rockets and satellites into space. These satellites are used for surveillance and communication, among other things.
Iran has also planned to launch a group of 20 internet satellites named after a national figure. These satellites are part of its broader space strategy. The country continues to build and test launch vehicles like the Simorgh rocket, which uses a two-stage, liquid-fueled system. This kind of rocket is used to put satellites into orbit but has similarities to long-range missile technology.
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The situation has drawn attention around the world. Many experts believe that the know-how used to send rockets into space is almost the same as the one needed to build powerful missiles. Military officials in the U.S. have pointed out that Iran’s ability to launch space rockets might make it easier for the country to develop long-range missiles in the future.
Iran’s space program is not only about science and technology. It’s also seen as a key part of the country’s defense system. Even as other allied regions have faced difficulties due to conflicts in places like Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, Iran has kept its focus on space technology as a way to boost its strategic strength.
International Concerns and Strategic Alliances
As Iran continues to expand its space activities, other countries have raised concerns. Some governments in the West worry that the country’s space progress could also help improve its missile systems. This concern has led to sanctions from places like the United Kingdom and the European Union.
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One high-ranking officer in Iran’s space military division and the national space agency were sanctioned by both the UK and EU. These sanctions were put in place because of their involvement in building and launching satellite carriers — devices that help send satellites into space and are closely related to missile technology.
Despite sanctions and a limited budget, the space program is making strides. Last year, a top official announced that the national space agency would receive around $11 million to help fund new projects. That might not sound like a lot compared to the budgets of richer countries, but impressive progress is being made with available resources.
One reason for continued advancement is a strong relationship with Russia. The two countries signed a strategic agreement early this year. Russia, which has decades of experience in space technology, has launched satellites using its own rockets. It is also using domestically-made drones in military operations. This partnership allows access to Russia’s technical skills in space exploration.
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According to space researchers, Iran’s growing ability to launch satellites means it can guide its weapons more accurately and respond faster to threats. Satellites help with targeting and timing, which makes their defense systems more effective.
Countries and companies around the world are investing in space technology for military uses. Iran is no different. Despite international pressure and limited financial resources, it has shown that it can keep building and launching rockets.
Even though Iran has not released full details about how much it has spent on its space program, it’s clear that the country is treating it as a high priority. By continuing its space missions and partnerships, Iran is becoming a significant player in the world of space technology — regardless of the challenges it faces.
