Iranian Space Agency

Iran's space program is marked by ambitious yet challenging endeavors, including satellite launches, human spaceflight attempts, and lunar exploration. Key achievements involve launching satellites like Navid, Noor, and Fajr, as well as developing a lunar rover named Hamir. The country has attempted suborbital missions with animals using rockets such as Kashgovar, encountering setbacks, notably the failure of the monkey launch in 2013. More recently, Iran resumed these activities with the Salman rocket, aiming to send an astronaut into space by 2029.

The program's military implications have drawn international concern, particularly regarding potential missile development. While some analysts caution against direct links between space tech and ICBMs, others argue it could enhance missile accuracy. The U.S. has accused Iran of using space technology for military purposes and has reportedly sabotaged their efforts.

Iran also explores international cooperation, possibly contributing to China's space station or lunar missions. Despite these ambitions, the program faces skepticism and technical challenges, with limited current capabilities hindering progress toward goals like a crewed moon mission by 2025. The program's trajectory is significantly influenced by geopolitical tensions and external sabotage efforts.