Why Iran and DPRK Joining the Space Family is a Prelude to Deepening Crisis — Part 1
By Matthew Olson, MileageMayVary.org

Summary

The world watches as a multi-stage heavy lift rocket system sits on a launch pad in North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea – DPRK). As of 4:00 EST on April 2, military officials indicated to CNN that imagery shows the Kwangmyeongseong-2 (hereafter referred to as Lodestar-2) is being fueled in the final preparations of a launch sequence. A launch could come as early as Friday evening.

Further imagery indicates that the bulbous third stage (final stage) of the launch vehicle demonstrates it carries a cargo payload rather than the more streamline nosecone associated with a ballistic weapon. This causes significant concern because of the striking similarities between the Iranian final stage on their own space booster system (Ghadr- 110A Ashura).

However, satellite payload or dummy warhead won’t matter when it comes to the further development of long range ballistic missile technology. The apparent sharing of research data between Iran and DPRK has been a growing concern in Western intelligence circles.

I conclude that the concern is understated in the news media as the launch and ballistic missile development from these two nations represent the most significant threat to our nation as a whole.

So what about placing seemingly harmless satellites into orbit bring so much concern to the US and her allies? Why would Iran and DPRK wish to pursue unmanned space programs and why do it now? What implications would a space-capable Iran and DPRK have on regional stability? Finally, how will the current US administration respond to these developments with neither nation being in accord with the non-militarization of space treaty (UN Outer Space Treaty)?

Recommended Reading:
North Korean Ballistic Missile & Space Booster Developments
Charles Vick, GlobalSecurity.org