​​​​​​​Iran Demonstrates Ballistic Missile Technology In Satellite Launch

March 9, 2022

(New York, N.Y.) — On Tuesday, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the successful launch of the Noor 2 satellite into low-earth orbit at an altitude of 310 miles just days after a similar failed attempt. Although a 2020 launch was derided by U.S. Space Command as “a tumbling webcam in space,” the Biden Administration recognizes Iran’s space program as a key component of the regime’s ballistic missile program. Iran has repeatedly engaged in satellite launches since 2015 despite prohibitions under UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which endorsed the Iran nuclear deal and are set to expire in October 2023. Specifically, Iran is barred from undertaking “any activity related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons, including launches using such ballistic missile technology.” 

Space has emerged as a priority for Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, as evidenced by his decision to convene Iran’s Supreme Council of Space last year for the first time in more than a decade. Under his presidency, Iran is actively developing a space launch capability, which the U.S. says is directly connected to Iran’s development of ballistic missiles. 

According to the Worldwide Threat Assessment of 2022, “Iran’s work on a space launch vehicle (SLV)—including its Simorgh—shortens the timeline to an ICBM because SLVs and ICBMs use similar technologies, if it decided to develop one.” Following Tuesday’s successful launch, IRGC Aerospace Force’s Space Commander Ali Jafarabadi confirmed that Iran “will launch a series of Noor satellites in the coming years.” 

The U.S. and the E3 should sanction all senior officials associated with the IRGC’s Space Command, pursue a UN asset and travel ban on Jafarabadi, and impose sanctions upon him as well for his role in violating Iran’s obligations. 

At least 30 ballistic missiles have been launched by the Iranian regime since the Iran nuclear deal was agreed upon in July 2015. Tehran’s ballistic missile program is now more advanced and poses a serious threat to the U.S., its allies, and its strategic interests in the Middle East. 

To read United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI)’s resource Ballistic Missile Program, please click here. 

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