By Noureddine Omar | 2024-12-18

Iran has launched its latest satellite payload amid widespread power outages and electricity rationing at home, sparking fresh criticism of the regime's spending priorities.

The mission in December, confirmed by Reuters through Iranian state television, deployed a 300kg payload using the Simorgh carrier rocket.

The payload included the Saman-1 transfer module, a CubeSat and research equipment.

"It's absurd that a country boasting about its space program cannot meet its population's basic needs, such as electricity, which is rationed ... because the Iranian government has yet to provide it consistently across all regions," Iranian affairs analyst Fathi al-Sayed told Pishtaz.

It was the eighth deployment of the Simorgh, a two-stage liquid-fueled launch vehicle developed by the Iranian Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics, designed for satellite deployment.

The regime's space ambitions have accelerated through deepening ties with Moscow.

In November, a Russian launchpad sent two Iranian satellites -- Kowsar and Hodhod -- into orbit, representing Iran's first private sector space ventures.

These launches followed earlier collaborations, including the Iranian Khayyam satellite in 2022 and Pars-1 in February, according to The Associated Press (AP).

Recent launches have ostensible purposes like communications, geographic mapping and logistical support.

"All were launched using domestically produced rocket carriers developed by the Ministry of Defense ... and by the aerospace division of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)," military analyst Wael Abdul Muttalib noted.

This partnership intensifies Western concerns over technology transfers and military applications, particularly as the Iranian regime supplies Russia with drones and ballistic missiles for its Ukraine campaign.

"What raises questions about the Iranian space program is the cooperation with both Russia and China and whether the program aims primarily to develop Iranian missile capabilities under the guise of civil development," al-Sayed said.

Dual-use concerns

Satellites inherently serve both civilian and military purposes, including population surveillance, the US Institute for Peace stated in its Iran Primer.

Tehran's development of satellite launch vehicles could accelerate its potential to develop intercontinental ballistic missiles, the AP reported, citing a 2024 US threat assessment report.

These capabilities support the Iranian regime's "global terrorist agenda," said Abdul Muttalib.

"It gives them eyes and ears in space, essentially providing spying tools, as most of the satellites they launch are equipped with advanced imaging technology," Abdul Muttalib added.

"Tehran, as always, prioritizes the interests of the regime and IRGC over those of its people," al-Sayed said. "Spending millions of dollars annually on its space program aligns entirely with this approach."