Iran steps into lunar exploration to tap Moon's resources Another space-faring nation?

Iran’s Space Agency (ISA) has announced the launch of its first major lunar rover project, signalling the nation’s strategic ambition to join the global space race.

The move is aimed at tapping into the Moon's resources and positioning Iran among spacefaring nations actively pursuing extraterrestrial exploration, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Hassan Salarieh, the head of ISA, provided exclusive insights into the initiative, discussing the broader scope of Iran’s space activities, including the status of its satellites in orbit, new satellite construction, advancements in space technologies, the Chabahar space base, bio-space projects, and plans for human spaceflight.

Salarieh emphasized the importance of planetary exploration amid growing activity by countries such as China and India. "We should not limit our focus to Earth's orbit and nearby satellites. A new realm in space has opened up globally, becoming more accessible and increasingly within reach," he said.

He highlighted the growing precision and feasibility of space exploration, which has transformed speculative visions into concrete multi-billion-dollar investments. These efforts are now driven by the prospect of multi-trillion-dollar returns from exploiting resources on the Moon, Mars, and asteroids.

Acknowledging the high costs and technical challenges of space exploration, Salarieh underlined the necessity of international collaboration. "For Iran to join these consortia, we need to bolster our technical and financial foundations," he noted, adding that many successful lunar projects globally have been achieved through partnerships.

To strengthen its position, Iran has initiated several key projects, including the development of orbital transfer blocks and bio-capsules. Salarieh revealed that in 2023, a bio-capsule was successfully launched, and contracts for more advanced versions are currently in the design phase, awaiting further investment.

The ISA is also collaborating with universities to enhance technical expertise and prepare for participation in international consortia. Salarieh explained that countries engaging in space exploration expect their partners to contribute both technical and financial resources.

Expressing optimism about the current administration's commitment to advancing the space industry, he warned against delays in this sector. "Neglecting or delaying in this area could cost us our position in exploiting valuable space resources, potentially leading to irreversible losses in the future," he cautioned.

With this ambitious lunar rover project, Iran aims to assert itself as a significant player in the global space industry, paving the way for future collaborations and resource exploitation beyond Earth's orbit.

By Khagan Isayev