Recent satellite images indicate that Iran may have carried out a secret missile test at its Imam Khomeini Spaceport. The images, analyzed by The Associated Press, show scorch marks on the launch pad at the spaceport, similar to those seen after previous missile and rocket launches. This development highlights Iran’s ongoing effort to maintain and expand its missile capabilities despite recent regional conflicts.
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The launch pad at the Imam Khomeini Spaceport in Semnan province, about 230 kilometers southeast of Tehran, has been used before for major launches under Iran’s civilian space program. Satellite photos taken before September 18 showed the pad painted in the colors of the Iranian flag.
After that date, the pad appeared discolored in more recent images. Detailed imagery captured by Planet Labs PBC on Wednesday revealed significant scorch marks at the spaceport. Experts say these marks are consistent with a solid-fueled missile launch, which produces burning aluminum oxide particles.
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Fabian Hinz, a research fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, noted that the north-south patterns of the scorching indicate the use of a blast deflector. Blast deflectors are structures that channel the extreme flames and heat from rocket engines safely away from the pad during launches at the spaceport. The extent of the scorching suggests a powerful missile test may have taken place, although Iran has not officially confirmed any such launch.
Claims of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile at the Spaceport
Adding to the uncertainty, Iranian parliament member Mohsen Zanganeh appeared on state television claiming that Iran successfully tested one of its most advanced missiles, potentially an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at the Imam Khomeini Spaceport. He framed the test as a demonstration of Iran’s strength in the face of regional and international pressures.
Intercontinental ballistic missiles typically have ranges exceeding 5,500 kilometers, far beyond the 2,000-kilometer range reportedly allowed by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. A missile of such range could theoretically reach Europe and parts of the United States. However, Zanganeh did not provide any evidence to support his claims, and Iranian lawmaker statements have occasionally exaggerated missile capabilities in the past.
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Experts note that while the Zuljanah missile, previously launched from the spaceport, is capable of carrying satellites into space, the U.S. government has expressed concern that such technology could potentially be adapted for longer-range missiles. The Zuljanah is a solid-fueled missile and has been a focus for Iran’s space and military programs.
Observations and Uncertainties
Despite the claims and the satellite evidence, many questions remain about what Iran actually launched from the spaceport. On September 18, Iranian social media users posted images showing a strange contrail across the sky over Semnan province, which may be related to the missile test. Iranian state media did not report on the event, leaving the purpose of the launch uncertain.
U.S. space officials have not confirmed the launch or any deployment of satellites into orbit. Analysts suggest that the launch may have failed or served primarily as a demonstration to signal Iran’s determination to continue developing its missile program, even amid sanctions and regional conflicts.
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The incident follows a 12-day conflict with Israel in June, which some experts believe reinforced Iran’s commitment to improving its missile arsenal. Behnam Ben Taleblu, a Washington-based analyst, commented that the alleged missile test could be part of Tehran’s efforts to “build back better” following setbacks during the conflict.
Satellite photos and expert analysis confirm the significant scorch marks at the Imam Khomeini Spaceport, consistent with previous missile and rocket launches. The launch pad’s condition strongly suggests that Iran is continuing to pursue missile tests at the spaceport, although the exact type of missile and the test’s outcome remain unclear.
