• Iran launched a research satellite into orbit with a rocket built by the Revolutionary Guards.

• Western governments including the United States have repeatedly warned Iran against such launches, saying the same technology can be used for ballistic missiles. Iran has denied this.

• The Chamran-1 satellite, which was launched into space by the Qaem-100 satellite carrier, was put into a 550-kilometre orbit and its first signals had been received.

• The solid fuel carrier was designed and built by the Aerospace Force of the Revolutionary Guards.

• The primary mission of the satellite, which weighs 60 kg is to test hardware and software systems for demonstrating orbital manoeuvring technology.

•Its other objective is to evaluate the cold gas propulsion sub-system in space systems and the performance of the navigation and attitude control sub-systems.

• In January, Iranian media reported that the Sorayya satellite had been launched into a 750 km orbit, the highest by the country so far.

• The US military alleges the long-range ballistic technology used to put satellites into orbit could also allow Tehran to launch long-range weapons, possibly including nuclear warheads.

• Tehran denies its satellite activities are a cover for ballistic missile development and says it has never pursued the development of nuclear weapons.

• Iran, which has one of the biggest missile programmes in the Middle East, has suffered several failed satellite launches in recent years due to technical issues.

What are Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles?

• Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) are advanced missile systems with a range exceeding 5,500 kilometers. 

• They are specifically designed to deliver nuclear warheads but can also carry conventional, chemical, and biological weapons. However, the use of chemical and biological weapons on ICBMs is rare.

Key characteristics of ICBMs:

• Range: Greater than 5,500 kilometers, allowing them to strike targets across continents. 

• Payload: Primarily designed to deliver nuclear warheads, but capable of carrying other types of payloads. 

• Trajectory: Follow a ballistic trajectory, typically involving an initial powered phase, a midcourse phase in space, and a final reentry phase. 

Global Possession:

• United States: Has a significant number of ICBMs as part of its strategic nuclear arsenal. 

• Russia: Possesses a large and diverse ICBM force, including various models. 

• China: Maintains an evolving ICBM capability as part of its nuclear strategy. 

• France: Operates a smaller but capable ICBM force. 

• India: Has developed and deployed its own ICBMs as part of its strategic deterrent. 

• United Kingdom: Deploys ICBMs as part of its nuclear deterrence strategy, typically using the Trident missile system. 

• Israel: Suspected to have ICBM capabilities, although the specifics are not publicly confirmed. 

• North Korea: Claims to have developed ICBMs, though the reliability and operational status of these systems are subject to international scrutiny. 

Notable Absence

• Pakistan: While Pakistan is a nuclear-armed state, it does not possess ICBMs. Its nuclear strategy relies on shorter-range ballistic missiles and other delivery systems. 

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)