The third satellite launched by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was confirmed to be in Earth’s orbit on September 27, 2023. Named Noor-3, it is the third version of Noor to be launched in the span of three years. Space-related missions in Iran are typically in the hands of the Iranian Space Agency (ISA) which coordinates with the Ministry of Defense. The IRGC, in running a space agency parallel to the ISA and taking control of this initiative, has incited fear and worry for the rest of the world.

On April 22, 2020, the IRGC sent its first military satellite into Earth’s low orbit. What did this launch mean for the rest of the world? And what threats did this first satellite pose? The UN Security Council Resolution 2231 calls upon Iran to refrain from undertaking activities on ballistic missiles designed to be nuclear-capable. It is a joint agreement between China, France, Germany, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, the United States, the EU, and the Islamic Republic of Iran. When the launch of the IRGC’s first military satellite (named Noor-1) occurred, nations across the world spoke about their concerns regarding the IRGC’s space ambitions. Along with the U.S., the UK, and France found this troubling and to be a direct violation of Resolution 2231. These Western powers believe that the technology could potentially facilitate nuclear weapons use in the future. Germany also agreed with the fears of these nations but did not go so far as to claim it violated the resolution.

On the other hand, Russia and China stood by Iran’s launch, claiming it was well within the rights of Tehran’s rights in terms of space exploration. Iran continues to dismiss claims of a hostile nuclear program, insisting that the IRGC’s ambitions are entirely peaceful. In 2018, the U.S. announced its withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) implemented in Resolution 2231 due to Iran’s noncompliance with the Resolution for several other reasons, not just limited to the nuclear program. These reasons include uranium enrichment activities (to create “weapon-grade” uranium) and suspected violations of arms embargoes, as well as the fear of ballistic missiles being carried onboard vehicles going to space. According to the UN, Iran isn’t known to be in possession of any nuclear weapons, yet they have enough uranium to construct approximately eight to ten nuclear bombs at any given moment. 

In regards to further interstellar activity, the IRGC launched its second military satellite, Noor-2, in March 2022 (whilst Noor-1 was on its way back to Earth). Over a year later, on September 27, 2023, Noor-3 was launched. Noor-2 remains operational, so authorities wonder whether they might work together, as the satellites appear to be sitting on roughly the same orbital plane. All three of these satellites were delivered to space via Iran’s homegrown satellite carrier rocket dubbed the Qassed, designed and manufactured by the IRGC’s aerospace division. 

According to Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the head of the IRGC Aerospace unit, the capabilities of the two rockets remaining in space include “imaging in different light spectrums with high quality and resolution, telecommunication relay services, sending commands and receiving data over long distances in real-time, for example for drones and sea vessels, and finally global positioning services for missile guidance and navigation systems.” This implies that Iran may use these capabilities to launch potential attacks in the region or abroad, but they have yet to make a move. 

The U.S. Department of State designated the IRGC as an official terrorist organization on April 15, 2019 “because of its acts of global terror, violations of the laws of armed conflict, assassination attempts, and support for regional terrorist groups.” In January 2020, following the U.S. assassination of key IRGC leader Qassem Soleimani, the IRGC struck U.S. troops stationed in Iraq with an estimated 15-22 short-range ballistic missiles, severely injuring and inflicting traumatic brain injuries upon around 110 U.S. service members. Iran’s recent attacks demonstrate the danger of its advancing missile ambitions on its adversaries, especially those located nearby. With the new satellites in space, it is unknown what the precision capabilities or range of missiles may be. The IRGC will continue to develop and diversify its missile force for both defensive and offensive purposes. 

Right now, Iran's nuclear abilities are being shrouded for potential use in the future. However, the IRGC is taking large, very telling steps with its ballistic missile program and its capabilities. The new satellite’s abilities such as advanced telecommunications and imaging show that the IRGC is creeping toward creating long-range missiles and weapons-related technology in coming years. The launch of its third satellite and the abilities onboard warn of more potential violence against its adversaries in the future.