Iran’s most recent attempt to launch a satellite into orbit resulted in failure to do so; This is their fourth consecutive failure in 12 months.
For what is now the fourth time in a row, Iran has failed to successfully launch their spaceship into orbit. In their most recent attempt, the ‘Zafar’ satellite had what they’re calling a “successful” launch, but it failed to reach into orbit. An Iranian defense official stated that “It was launched with success and … we have reached most our aims … but the ‘Zafar’ satellite did not reach orbit as planned.
Iran’s previous attempts came in January, February, and August of 2019. You might remember that in August of 2019, their attempts concluded in the rocket exploding on the launchpad, voiding any chance of a successful launch. It was this failed attempt that President Donald Trump tweeted about, saying, “The United States of America was not involved in the catastrophic accident during final launch preparations for the Safir SLV Launch at Semnan Launch Site One in Iran. I wish Iran best wishes and good luck in determining what happened at Site One.”
Furthermore, the United States believes that Iran’s failed attempts are nothing more than a cover for them to test the production and functionality of their intercontinental ballistic missiles. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo responded to their failed attempt in January of 2019, stating, “In defiance of the international community & UNSCR 2231, Iran’s regime fired off a space launch vehicle today. The launch yet again shows that Iran is pursuing enhanced missile capabilities that threaten Europe and the Middle East.”
Pompeo would also state, “The United States will not allow Iran to use its space launch program as cover to advance its ballistic missile programs. Iran’s Aug. 29 attempt to launch a space launch vehicle underscores the urgency of the threat. These designations should serve as a warning to the international scientific community that collaborating with Iran’s space program could contribute to Tehran’s ability to develop a nuclear weapon delivery system.”
