- 3 February 2010
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- 5 Comments
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- Diplomacy, Events in Iran, Nuclear file
Iran’s Space Jam
3 February 2010 Posted By Nayda Lakelieh
Press TV reports that Iran has launched a rocket capable of putting a satellite into space, this time equipped with living organisms. The worms, two turtles, and rat were monitored by video transmission aboard Kavoshgar-3, and were studied by scientists upon their return to earth.
“Projects that we inaugurated are mostly on the very edge of modern technology… each one of them call for a national celebration,” Ahmadinejad said on Wednesday, while addressing a gathering of scientists and state officials.
“Those individuals whose contributions have made all this possible deserve praise,” he added.
CNN further reports that the White House believes the launch of Kavoshgar- 3 or Explorer 3 to be a “provocative act,” raising international concern. Spokesperson Bill Burton said that the US is still verifying that all accounts of the launch are accurate.
Although Ahmadinejad is describing the aerospace launch as a symbol of hope for the region, the morning launch has sprung much international animosity.
“Developing a space launch vehicle that could … put a satellite into orbit could possibly lead to development of a ballistic missile system,” State Department deputy spokesman Robert Wood said at the time. “So that’s a grave concern to us.”
The Pentagon called the plan “clearly a concern of ours.”, while President Obama added “that it’s not too late for Iran to do the right thing.”
5 Responses to “Iran’s Space Jam”
“The worms, two turtles, and rat were monitored by video transmission aboard Kavoshgar-3, and were studied by scientists upon their return to earth.”
Obviously, this is a test to see if Ahmadinejad, khamenei, Jannati, and Yazdi can survive in the only place they will be able to seek refuge, space.
I really can’t see how launching a sounding rocket like the Kavoshgar-3 is a provocative act. This launch vehicle system is not particularly noteworthy, with regards to potential cross-military applications. To give you an idea of the type of rocket we’re talking about, the Kavoshgar-3 was launched from a ZelZal type TEL (a SRBM).
What was actually noteworthy was the Simorgh SLV mock up and its cluster of four rocket engines, as well as the debut of the Navid, Tolou and Mesbah 2 telecommunication satellites.
Western media and government sources continued mockery and threat magnification of Iranian aerospace efforts is really getting tiresome. Consider that Iran has successfully launched a satellite into space, where other supposedly more technologically advanced US allies such as South Korea have failed. All Iranians- including Iranian-Americans- can take a measure of pride in this achievement.
Nayda Space Jam was a wonderful film, keep up the good references
On Iranian.com, Sargord Pirouz said today: “Iran has successfully launched a satellite into space, where other supposedly more technologically advanced US allies such as South Korea have failed. All Iranians can take a measure of pride in this achievement. (Unless, of course, you are anti-Iran.) ” Now, read Pirouz’s comments above. Houston, I think we have found a bona fide Internet propaganda troll.
Sargord Pirouz, I am very pro-Iran, which is why I oppose the murderers who rule my birthplace and bring misery to my people (except for a minority of thugs and parasites, some of whom constitute its Cyberspace Brigade of Internet propaganda trolls). You amorally ape the regime of murderers and rapists. That makes you anti-Iran. Got that? Okay, now go back to Iranian.com, where you can pretend to be Sargord Pirouz.
The US has a history of commenting on actions by foreign governments it perceives as dangerous, or potentially threatening. The United States has commented on many countries regardless of whether it is Iran or not. While yes, its true, the launch of animals into space is not in itself threatening the question of what are the greater implications remains.
Since Iran does have a history of being secretive with the world community about its nuclear program (i’m not talking about intentions, i’m merely discussing the matter of disclosure on a reasonable timetable, generally before one is caught doing something). It is reasonable for the west and the US to be suspicious about the intentions of these launches as its currently unknown specifically what applications they may have in terms or military or intelligence.
I have not heard an Iranian reaction, but typically when the US criticizes the Iranian Government does a great job of confusing the issues and placing equal blame back on the United States for an initiative it had supported in the past. Or perhaps the standard, ‘why are you meddling in our internal affairs?’
The question is: If the US does deem this as a threat, and Iran does continue down this path, will it lead to an even bigger confrontation- given the nuclear matter has also lead to increased tensions in recent days?