[FPSPACE] ] Iran to Launch Animals to Space

[Keith Gottschalk]

> the Kavoshgar-3 and -4 rockets [.....]
> a larger rocket, the Safir-e Omid (or Ambassador of Peace) rocket
[.....]
> Much of Iran's technological equipment derives from modified Chinese
and North Korean technology. 

     It is interesting that the entire programmes and budgets of the
Iranian & Korean Governments cannot equal, so far,  the private company
of Eldon Musk & only 450 staff.   

    No doubt Eldon Musk can email orders for 99% of his components to
US original equipment manufacturers, when USG export restrictions block
the frantic efforts of the I & K governments to do the same. Also, Musk
& team can write all their own software. 

     Nonetheless, it's am impressive reminder that space technology
remains really difficult, and requires a broad aerospace & avionics
industrial base, that just does not exist in most underdeveloped
countries.  The USSR & PRC could slowly set up all the assembling around
their launch-sites during the 1950s and 1960s. The vastly smaller I & K
have a long, long, struggle ahead. Macho prestige symbols do not come
cheap, nor easy.

- Keith

    
 
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