TEHRAN – Iran’s participation in a joint lunar exploration project with international partners is no longer just an ambitious dream but a strategic part of the country’s scientific and technological roadmap in space exploration, said Hassan Salarieh, head of Iran’s Space Agency.
Speaking on the opening day of World Space Week at the Ministry of Communications, Salarieh highlighted the growing significance of Iran’s space program amid ongoing global advancements. 
The joint lunar project with China, initially announced last year, is now moving toward implementation, marking a major milestone in Tehran’s collaboration with space powers.
“The collaboration on lunar exploration is among the most important forward-looking initiatives for Iran’s space sector,” Salarieh said. “This is not just about prestige or ambition; it is part of a carefully planned scientific agenda designed to secure our future role in space technology.”
Despite this progress, public debate persists within Iran regarding the necessity and timing of such expensive space projects. Critics question whether investment in high-profile space endeavors, such as lunar exploration or Mars missions being pursued by private players like Elon Musk, should take precedence over pressing domestic economic and social issues.
Addressing these concerns, Salarieh acknowledged that while there are indeed more urgent matters at home, the space industry holds its own essential place alongside other sectors. 
“If we want to be a true industrial nation, the space sector must have its share of investment and development. The idea that space technology is not economically viable is simply incorrect.”
He pointed to the example of geostationary satellites, which typically
 repay their initial costs through service revenues within five to seven years, becoming net economic contributors thereafter. 
“Many countries now leading in space technology initially made substantial investments before turning these capabilities into profitable industries,” he explained.
Salarieh stressed that Iran’s space development follows a similar trajectory. “Whether in satellite technology, launch vehicles, or exploration, investing today is necessary to avoid falling behind in the future global economy and technological landscape.”
Among Iran’s current priorities are the development of reliable satellite launchers and domestically produced communication and remote sensing satellites. 
“Without indigenous launch capability, it’s impossible to fully advance in space. If we rely solely on imported technology, we become consumers, not innovators,” Salarieh said.
However, he emphasized that exploration missions, including lunar projects, should not be neglected. 
“Ignoring future-oriented research means neglecting our long-term position. We must pursue advanced exploration programs intelligently to maintain relevance in the international space community.”
Regarding the joint lunar project, Salarieh described the initiative as a collaborative effort designed to share costs and expertise, allowing Iran to participate effectively alongside major space powers like China, Russia, and the U.S. 
“Multilateral cooperation is key to reducing expenses and maximizing scientific and technological returns.”
In addition to exploration, Iran is advancing its bio-space programs, which often face misunderstandings equating them solely with manned spaceflight. 
Salarieh clarified that bio-space research extends beyond human space travel to include biological experiments and life sciences conducted in orbital laboratories.
He noted Iran’s progress in developing biological capsules—space laboratories that can study the effects of space environments on living organisms and test satellite subsystems. 
“Calling them simply ‘bio capsules’ understates their multifunctional role in advancing space technology and biological research.”
Iran aims to participate in upcoming orbital station projects led by major space agencies, recognizing the strategic importance of biological and life sciences in space research. 
“These platforms are critical for long-term space habitation and scientific discovery, and Iran intends to be involved.”
Salarieh reaffirmed the integrated nature of Iran’s space industry, where satellite development, launch vehicle capability, biological research, and exploration are interconnected pillars. 
“Investment in each sector supports the others, creating a coherent and sustainable space program,” he said.
He emphasized that while some view the costs as high or unnecessary, these perspectives often stem from a lack of understanding about the strategic and economic value of space technology. 
“Our space roadmap allocates resources based on expert assessments, balancing ambition with practicality to ensure Iran’s steady progress in this vital field.”