NOOR: Iran’s first military satellite launched successfully

Iran recently launched its first military satellite. The satellite is to orbit at 425 km. This has increased tensions between US and Iran amidst COVID-19 crisis.

Highlights

The Iran Revolutionary Guards Corps, IRGC launched the satellite. Iran has used Ghased or Messenger satellite launcher to put the satellite in its orbit. Tensions increased when countries learnt that the technology used to launch the satellite was previously unheard as it used both solid and liquid fuel.

US-Iran tensions

In 2015, Iran signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with US, France, UK, China, Germany and Russia. According to the plan, the nuclear usage and weapon production of Iran was cut down. The US walked out of the deal recently claiming Iran has violated the nuclear agreement.

The other major irritant between the countries is that the most power military commander of Iran General Qassem Soleimani was killed in a drone strike conducted by the US.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2020