Iran tests rocket in suborbital flight after ceasefire

In June 2025, Iran engaged in a war that led to numerous casualties, including the deaths of nearly 1,100 Iranians, during a conflict with Israel. This significant military engagement included Iranian retaliatory missile strikes that resulted in 28 fatalities in Israel. Following this period of hostilities, Iran successfully conducted a test of one of its satellite-carrying rockets, known as the Ghased, in a suborbital flight. This test, which was reported by state media, marked a continuation of Iran's efforts to develop technology that can enhance its space capabilities and ballistic missile program. The Ghased rocket, which utilizes both solid and fluid fuel, was first unveiled in 2020 by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps when it was used to launch a military satellite into orbit. The primary goal of the suborbital flight was to evaluate new emerging technologies within Iran's space industry. While the official news agency IRNA provided insight into the aims of the test, details regarding the launch specifics or location were not disclosed. Iran has consistently pursued the development and testing of satellite-carrying rockets as a demonstration of its technological progression, despite international concerns regarding the implications for missile proliferation. This most recent test signifies a tightening of Iran's resolve to advance its capabilities amid external scrutiny and potential sanctions from Western nations. The results from this testing are anticipated to yield improvements to Iran's satellite and broader space system functionalities as the nation continues to assert its presence on the global stage through advancements in space technology. Analysts consider such developments to potentially enhance Iran’s strategic military assets, thereby intensifying debates over regional security and the balance of power in the Middle East, especially in the wake of the recent conflict.