Iranian Satellite Could Be Front for Missile Technologies, U.S. Intelligence Sources Say

U.S. intelligence analysts are concerned about a suspected launch of a satellite by Iran planned for early next year, Agence France-Presse reported yesterday (see GSN, Oct. 24, 2002).

The launch preparation “is something that needs to be watched closely,” a U.S. government missile analyst familiar with Iranian capabilities told Aviation Week & Space Technology.

Tehran’s satellite research efforts could be a “Trojan Horse” to advance its missile capabilities or nuclear warhead-related technologies, sources said. Some of the materials and technologies necessary for satellite design could also be used to develop components for small nuclear weapons, according to the report.

Satellite launch attempts could also help Iran to further improve the Shahab 3 missile under the cover of a civilian space program, according to a report in Aviation Week & Space Technology.

If Iran successfully launched a satellite, it would have both regional and global ramifications, sources said.

“It would move the Iranians from the junior varsity into the big leagues,” an analyst said (Agence France-Presse/SpaceWar.com, Nov. 29).

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