From the scariest news of the week file, New Scientist Magazine has an article about Iran entering the space race. The launch vehicle is thought to be based on Iran’s Shahab-3 Missile, which has a range of 1300 to 1600 kilometres (800 to 1000 miles). The fear is that it might be intended to test technology for a long-range ballistic missile.

Their first aim might be reconnaissance. “They are concerned about what capabilities Israel has, and the only way they can find out is by observing from space,” says Bhupendra Jasani of King’s College in London, UK, an expert in the military applications of space. “Clearly they can’t fly aircraft, that would be a violation of airspace, and they would be shot down very quickly.”

“Eventually if they do seriously develop any kind of nuclear capability, then they would want satellites to provide targeting information,” says Jasani. “And once they have developed a vehicle to launch satellites, then it’s not a big step to put a nuclear warhead on.”

Even more good news:

According to the Aviation Week report, the satellite launch vehicle might then be converted into an inter-continental ballistic missile (ICMB) with a range of about 4000 kilometres (2500 miles).

If a launcher can put a satellite into orbit, then it can also deliver a payload of the same mass anywhere on Earth. However, a first-generation nuclear warhead – which Iran is not yet thought to be capable of producing – is likely to be heavier than a small reconnaissance satellite, limiting the missile’s range. The biggest short range concern is the type of satellites they may be launching, the long range fear is that this may be the first steps in developing a ICBM.

Have the hypocrits in the media reported any of this? Hell no!! How about Congress?? Again, hell no!! Sleep well. The future keeps looking scarier and scarier.