Iran Accelerates Space Race to Gain Security Edge Over Israel
Avi Berger, head of Israel's Space Administration at the Ministry of Defense's R&D Directorate (Maf'at), explains that Iran has become a full-fledged space power, investing heavily in satellite and launch capabilities to secure strategic advantages. Israel, which launched its first satellite in 1988 becoming the eighth country to do so, views space as a critical security asset due to its ability to monitor hostile neighbors without territorial limitations. Berger highlights that Israel plans to launch hundreds of satellites in the coming years to maintain its technological edge.
The space domain is increasingly intertwined with geopolitical power struggles, with ballistic missile technology closely linked to satellite launch capabilities. Iran, having developed advanced ballistic missiles, leverages similar technology for its space program, supported indirectly by allies like Russia and China. Israel is aware of Iran's growing capabilities and invests accordingly to preserve its superiority.
Berger notes the historic November 2023 interception of a missile outside the atmosphere by Israel's Arrow 3 system, marking the first operational exoatmospheric interception worldwide. This development signals that future conflicts may involve attacks on satellites, though international treaties and the risk of space debris complicate such actions. Currently, about 15,000 satellites orbit Earth, increasing by 3,000 annually, raising concerns about collisions and space junk.
Israel's unique geographic constraints require launching satellites westward over the Mediterranean, which reduces payload capacity by 30%, necessitating smaller, lighter satellites, a challenge Israel has turned into an advantage. While other countries develop spaceports, Israel currently launches many satellites abroad but aims to control the entire value chain to become a major space power.
The commercial space sector, led by Elon Musk's SpaceX and its Starlink constellation of over 10,000 satellites, has drastically reduced launch costs and expanded access to space. Berger warns that the concentration of such power in private hands poses geopolitical risks, underscoring Israel's need to strengthen its own space capabilities. He also acknowledges the potential future of space-based server farms despite technical challenges.
Berger concludes by emphasizing the strong connection between space technology and national security, noting that recruiting talent to Israel's space program is driven by the dual appeal of technological challenges and defending the country.
