Policies and Programs of Iran’s Space Activities

Abstract

Iran pursues its space activities, through international and national space policies, in accordance with international space treaties and ensuring the peacefulness of its space activities. At international level, Iran has prioritized international cooperation and compliance with international space regulations. It has always taken steps toward the peaceful use of space by playing an effective role in the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS), signing international space law treaties, membership in international and regional space organizations, and cooperation in the implementation of joint international space projects. Its national space policy which was triggered by the commencement of its national space activities has been defined accordingly. In addition, principles for the regulation of space activities have been codified and implemented based on high-level national documents including the Vision Plan, the Comprehensive Scientific Map of the Country, the Five-Year Development Plan Rules (Fourth to Sixth), and the Comprehensive Document of Aerospace Development. These documents outline the scope of space activities and technologies while securing space security and ensuring the peaceful uses of outer space. The responsible authorities for space are proceeding to develop space technologies and activities based on the provisions in these documents. According to the policy, Iran ultimately aims for technology development and satellite operation as well as sounding rockets that provide civil services and also ensure the presence of Iranian astronauts in outer space. These goals are based on the principle of international cooperation and peaceful uses and exploration of outer space.