Newswise — The orbiting of an Iranian satellite on February 2 signals a new independent launch capability for that nation, but also highlights the need for world-wide attention to issues of space security.
The satellite, named Omid-1 " meaning "hope" in Persian " is believed to have been placed into Earth orbit using a two-stage Safir-2 rocket from Iran's Semnan Satellite Launch Site.
The launch of the domestically built satellite appears to have been timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of Iran's Islamic Revolution.
Preserve the space environment
Iran now joins an elite club of nations and regions capable of independently launching spacecraft into Earth orbit, along with Russia, the United States, Europe, China, Japan, India and Israel.
"As codified in the 1967 Treaty on Outer Space, outer space has long been seen as a global commons that any country has the right to use in advancing its development, prosperity, and security," said Dr. Ray Williamson, Executive Director of Secure World Foundation (SWF).
Dr. Williamson also noted: "In addition to this right, according to the treaty, each country also has a responsibility to protect the space environment from harm. We applaud Iran's entrance to the space club and urge Iran to take its part in the international effort to preserve the space environment for future generations of space farers."
Responsible actor in space
"Iran joining the list of States who have indigenous access to space once again underscores the need for the global community to tackle the problem of space security," said Brian Weeden, SWF's Technical Consultant.
Weeden said that "a critical step towards solving this problem is ensuring that all space-faring States understand the consequences their actions in space can have in the long term for everyone and have the tools necessary to be a responsible actor in space."
International space situational awareness and a Code of Conduct, Weeden added, are just two of the multitude of options available.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad, who reportedly observed the satellite launching, spotlighted the achievement:
"Dear people of Iran," he said, "your children have sent Iran's first domestic satellite into orbit. May this be a step towards justice and peace," noting that the space achievement has been added to the pages of history.
Strategy of engagement
According to Phil Smith, SWF's Communications Director, the Omid satellite does not pose a strategic risk to the United States or, frankly, the rest of the world.
"While the inclination may be to characterize the event as a threat," Smith said, "it would be more useful to see it as an opportunity to engage Iran, as well as other existing and emerging space powers, on matters of space security."
Secure World Foundation is a private operating foundation dedicated to the secure and sustainable use of space for the benefit of Earth and all its peoples.
SWF engages with academics, policy makers, scientists and advocates in the space and international affairs communities to support steps that strengthen global space security. It promotes the development of cooperative and effective use of space for the protection of Earth's environment and human security.
The Foundation acts as a research body, convener and facilitator to advocate for key space security and other space related topics and to examine their influence on governance and international development.
RSS