About Chamran-1 ||Research Satellite || UPSC Current Affairs

CHAMRAN-1

Source: TOI

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Context

Iran has successfully launched its research satellite, Chamran-1, into space recently.

About Chamran-1 satellite

It is an Iranian research satellite.
This satellite was launched using the Qaem-100 rocket.
Weight: 60 kilograms
Orbit Altitude: 550 kilometers
Purpose:
- - To test hardware and software systems for orbital maneuver technology.
  - Conduct experiments related to orbital dynamics and satellite navigation.
Qaem-100 Rocket: Developed by Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, it is a three-stage rocket capable of carrying satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO).
The US and its allies have expressed concern that Iran's space program may serve as a front for developing intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) technology.
The solid-fuel rocket technology used in the Qaem-100 is similar to that required for long-range missile development.

Iran’s Paramilitary Revolutionary Guard (IRGC)

IRGC, commonly known as Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, is a branch of Iran's armed forces.
It was established after the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
It plays a crucial role in Iran’s military, political, and economic landscape.

Important Satellites Launched By Iran

Satellite Name	Launch	Notable Features
*Omid*	2009	First Iranian satellite, used for data transmission experiments.
*Rasad*	2011	Iran's first imaging satellite, provided pictures of Earth.
*Fajr*	2015	Equipped with thrusters to adjust its orbit, extended mission duration.
*Payam*	2019	Designed to capture environmental data and improve telecommunications.
*Noor-1*	2020	First military satellite by Iran, launched by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
*Zafar-1*	2020	Intended for telecommunication, weather forecasting, and disaster monitoring.
*Khayyam*	2022	Built with the assistance of Russia, used for environmental and agricultural monitoring.

Must read on ICBM:

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/icbm

Must read on types of orbits:

https://www.iasgyan.in/blogs/types-of-orbits-explained

Must read on Basics of missiles:

https://www.iasgyan.in/blogs/the-basics-of-missiles

Sources:

TOI

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q:Consider the following statements about Ballistic Missile:

1.It is aerodynamically guided in powered flight.

2.It flies within the earth’s atmosphere and uses jet engine technology.

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: c

Explanation:

Both the statements are incorrect: A cruise missile is a guided missile used against terrestrial targets, that remains in the atmosphere and flies the major portion of its flight path at approximately constant speed. They fly within the earth’s atmosphere and use jet engine technology. They are aerodynamically guided in powered flight.

A ballistic missile follows a ballistic trajectory to deliver one or more warheads on a predetermined target. These weapons are guided only during relatively brief periods—most of the flight is unpowered. Short-range ballistic missiles stay within the Earth's atmosphere, while intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) are launched on a sub-orbital trajectory.