Iran missile test, not good for perception of peaceful use - by Abinyah Walker

Sejjil-2 Missile the launch shown below, which experts say has increased range and accuracy, was tested December 16, 2009

The French Foreign Ministry said the launch was "very worrying". "A test of this kind can only strengthen the international community's worries at a time that Iran is also developing a nuclear programme with no identifiable civil objective in violation of five United Nations Security Council resolutions," spokesman Bernard Valero said.


UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the missile launch could boost the likelihood of further sanctions against Iran.


The missile launched on Wednesday uses solid fuel in its two-stage rocket. Solid rocket fuel has been used since the 13th century until liquid rockets of the 20th century were found to be more efficient and controllable.   The first solid rocket fuel propellant was gunpowder used by the Chinese, Mongols and Arabs.  Today, solid propellant is used for military application since they can remain in storage for extended periods of time. Solid rockets contain three primary elements, the grain (propellant), the nozzle and the igniter.  The total impulse (thrust) determines the fuel/oxidizer mass, the grain chemistry is then designed to meet those specifications.

The technological achievement of the Iranian missile is a step closer to achieving a space launch platform or a true ICBM with the potential for distance retaliatory strikes against future adversaries.  The Sejjil-2 which boasts an improved navigation and targeting system, faster lift-off and longer storage with more payload for longer range makes it increasingly difficult to detect by satellite and other known reconnaissance methods.


These developments will not be commented on favorably by western politics and media outlets, and will be construed as further proof of Irans defiance of security council resolutions and global interest in the non-proliferation of nuclear based weapons of mass destruction.
Iran's will flaunt the right to develop a defense industry by taking an isolated approach to the development of nuclear energy and delivery systems. I believe Iran will continue to retort western statements by claiming civilian energy interests.  It will not be long before the defense of the people and the Islamic revolution, plays a factor in the deployment of nuclear weapons. Even if it is contrary to religious theology.





Sources:


BBC World News
Wikipedia - Solid-fuel - Sajjil
CNN Iran