Follow-Up: U.S. Navy Radar, Satellite Data Show Iran Launch Failed
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Craig Covault covault@aviationweek.com
Iran’s flight test of a space launch vehicle failed Aug. 17, according to radar tracking by a U.S. Navy destroyer and infrared data from U.S. Air Force Defense Support Program (DSP) missile warning spacecraft.
Key data on the failure were provided by the USS Russell, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer patrolling the Persian Gulf.
Other U.S. intelligence assets gave the Russell and missile warning satellite system advanced notice of the test, enabling extra preparation for tracking its outcome.
The Russell also was one of three destroyers involved in the final radar tracking of the derelict National Reconnaissance Office USA 193 intelligence satellite that was destroyed by a Standard Missile-3 fired by another destroyer in the Persian Gulf group.
Although Iranian television views of the night launch of the Safir show a successful liftoff and initial climbout, radar data from the Russell and DSP infrared data show the vehicle went out of control at high altitude, never completing its ascent profile.
More than one DSP is used to monitor that region of the Middle East and it is likely data from the Iranian launch obtained from at least two DSPs are being analyzed. U.S. signal intelligence and imaging spacecraft also monitored preparations for the launch.
Even in failure, the test is still important because it indicates Iran is continuing to develop a space launch booster with propulsion and guidance technologies equally applicable to an intercontinental ballistic missile.
Photo of USS Russell: U.S. Navy
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