Nationalism is Motivating Factor Behind Iran's Space Program

A number of factors inform the need Iranians perceive for a space programme. The first is the enhancemnet of national pride. Satellites are cutting-edge technologies and like the Iranian nuclear programme, denotes technological and scientific elan, which becomes a source of national pride that can overcome political differences between reformists and conservatives. Much like the Chinese space programme, there is an element of nationalism to the Iranian space programme that can help legitimate an unpopular regime.