This is not a NASA Website. You might learn something. It's YOUR space agency. Get involved. Take it back. Make it work - for YOU.
Space Quarterly Magazine

Iran Space Program Update

By Marc Boucher
NASA Watch
September 6, 2012
Filed under , ,

Iran Space Program Update, SpaceRef
The following article is a free sample from the current issue of Space Quarterly Magazine. It is our hope that if you enjoy this article you will consider subscribing to the magazine.
“Considering the changes in the Iranian space organization during the last decade, it was amazing to find a complete stand of the Iranian Space Agency (ISA) at the exhibition of the International Astronomical Congress in Cape Town last fall. This kind of openness was not in concert with the organizational changes that were signified by the more military control of the space scene and space organizations in Iran during the last five years.

SpaceRef co-founder, entrepreneur, writer, podcaster, nature lover and deep thinker.

15 responses to “Iran Space Program Update”

  1. Jim Oberg says:
    0
    0

    “However, the attempt to launch a Rhesus monkey with Kavoshgar-5 failed last fall but was not reported in the local media. “
     
    I remain unconvinced of this. The only source I ever tracked the story back to was an AFP story from Iran that claimed to be quoting an Iranian press report — which nobody could find. Sorry, I made my best efforts and couldn’t come up with anything else.

    The only ‘evidence’ appears to be multiple repetitions of the original non-evidence press report.

    • kcowing says:
      0
      0

      You are not the only person with sources, Jim.  I find it to be a little annoying on your part that you just assume that since you cannot find something that it does not exist.

    • Marc Boucher says:
      0
      0

      A recurring theme while editing the article and discussing it with the author, Henk Smid, who’s been to Iran and has multiple sources there, is the lack of reporting within Iran on certain aspects of the program. It is typical of these types of regimes to limit what is released to the media.

  2. Ralphy999 says:
    0
    0

    Problem is Jim is world class on his sources and a premier league space de-bunker. I think it is troubling that no original source can be found.

    • kcowing says:
      0
      0

      There is no problem. We have multiple sources. We are not able to reveal them – so we won’t. If you want to make unfounded accusations find another website to post them on.

      • Jim Oberg says:
        0
        0

        You are MUCH too brittle. I made NO assertion over whether the event happened or not, merely that the SINGLE known open-source datum merely references another open-source datum which I have been unable to confirm ever existed [and I did expend SOME effort on that]. I made NO ‘accusation’ — you’re a little thin-skinned these days. Your encouragement for me to go elsewhere if I express doubts over checkable evidence for something you allege, is tacky. Of course we all do also have non-public sources, who frequently have hidden agendas of their own in manipulating and misinforming us, and our well-being [and reputation] is low on their list of priorities. Nobody, not me or you or anyone, has a perfect record, or a blank check for automatic credibility. Jeez, Keith, is something else gnawing at you? 

        • kcowing says:
          0
          0

          I do not care if you have or have not verified anything. We have multiple sources – and we are satisfied with them. Go bother someone else. Seriously.

          • AstroDork says:
            0
            0

            Keith, I’m with James on this one. Through the decades he has proven himself a reliable source. Of course we can’t know what your sources are, since they wish to remain anonymous. However, over the last 20 years I have learned to be suspicious of anything involving sources regarding ‘national security’ – generally fearmongering and vested interests have control here.

            Iran are far less a threat than you imagine them to be. Than you are told they are. Ditto China

            Now, I expect to be attacked! Bring it on!

          • kcowing says:
            0
            0

            If you have specific sources and/or references that dispute our story, then post them (i.e. links). Otherwise, please don’t waste everyone’s time by saying that you doubt the story because you don’t like the way it sounds or because you cannot confirm it. Post those comments somewhere else – like Jim Oberg’s blog.  If comments don’t stay on topic, I will simply shut them off for this post.

        • kcowing says:
          0
          0

          If you have specific sources and/or references that dispute our story, then post them (i.e. links). Otherwise, please don’t waste everyone’s time by saying that you doubt the story because you don’t like the way it sounds or because you cannot confirm it. Post those comments somewhere else – like on your blog.  If comments don’t stay on topic, I will simply shut them off for this post.

      • AstroDork says:
        0
        0

        Hmm, I don’t believe I went off-topic. You posted a story; I said I doubted it; you said you didn’t. Is that off-topic?

    • Marc Boucher says:
      0
      0

      Not all sources are online or post online. Something to remember.

      • Ralphy999 says:
        0
        0

        Yes indeed, Marc. Regardless of what I may think about original source, etc., it was a great article and it certainly gave me a idea of where Iran is in space development. Thanks for bringing it to our attention. 

  3. hikingmike says:
    0
    0

    Is it just me or does their logo look like Star Trek?