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Sheldon, John B. "A Really Hard Case: Iranian Space Ambitions and the Prospects for U.S. Engagement." Astropolitics. Vol. 4, No. 2 (Summer 2006): 229-251. [ 3 quotes ]

Evidence Related to this Citation

Nationalism is Motivating Factor Behind Iran's Space Program
 
A number of factors inform the need Iranians perceive for a space programme. The first is the enhancemnet of national pride. Satellites are cutting-edge technologies and like the Iranian nuclear programme, denotes technological and scientific elan, which becomes a source of national pride that can overcome political differences between reformists and conservatives. Much like the Chinese space programme, there is an element of nationalism to the Iranian space programme that can help legitimate an unpopular regime.
Sheldon, John B. "A Really Hard Case: Iranian Space Ambitions and the Prospects for U.S. Engagement." Astropolitics. Vol. 4, No. 2 (Summer 2006): 229-251. [ 3 quotes ] [ page 242 ]
Iran Looking to Space Program for Economic Development
 
The second factor reflects the long-term desire to develop economically, socially and technologically. In this respect, the space programme is an opportunity for Iranian scientists to cut their teeth and hopefully create high-tech spin-offs that may help the Iranian economy. Space systems are seen as a means to help develop several facets of the Iranian economy (energy, telecommunications) and society (the preservation of Iranian culture by being able to broadcast state-approved programming throughout Iran and beyond and the simultaneous eradication of all unsuitable foreign cultural influences). The notion that space systems may help Iranian science for the sakes of science seems does not seem to be a priority, despite signs of the flourishment of pure science towards the end of the Khatami administration. Whether Ahmedinejad is prepared to nurture Iranian science in the same spirit of free inquiry is an open question.
Sheldon, John B. "A Really Hard Case: Iranian Space Ambitions and the Prospects for U.S. Engagement." Astropolitics. Vol. 4, No. 2 (Summer 2006): 229-251. [ 3 quotes ] [ page 242 ]
National Security Concerns are Driving Iran's Space Effort
 
The third factor is Iranian national security. The attributes of space power may be tempting for a country that seeks both to increase its security, whilst at the same time assert its dominance in the region. The ability of imaging satellites, for example, to provide strategic intelligence and early warning against a surprise attack by any number of Iran's neighbouring states would be of enormous benefit. Of course, that same capability can provide Iran with the ability to accurately target its ballistic missile capabilities, thereby increasing the deterrent value of Iran's WMD-armed missiles (this assumes that Iran's goal is indeed to develop nuclear weapons). For Iran, such a capability would help lessen the disparities in space and missile power that exists today between it and Israel. Indeed, it could be argued that Iran's nuclear actiivies are already spurring a number of its neighbours to look at procuring their own imaging satellites in order to help hedge against a surprise Iranian nuclear breakout. Turkey has expressed an interest in such a capability, as have the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Egypt and Pakistan. Saudia Arabia has an advanced space programme and is one of the countries in the region that might feel most threatened by a nuclear Iran.
Sheldon, John B. "A Really Hard Case: Iranian Space Ambitions and the Prospects for U.S. Engagement." Astropolitics. Vol. 4, No. 2 (Summer 2006): 229-251. [ 3 quotes ] [ page 242-3 ]