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.