Satellite technology experiences in Iraq – intrusion, incursion, and future challenges

Abstract

Recent tremendous developments of satellite technologies coupled
with reduced cost of their manufacturing and launching have
enabled more advanced applications. Global participation in space
activity is growing as satellite technology matures and spreads.
However, limited resources and lack of know-how due to many
political and developmental issues prevent many nations from
developing their space projects effectively, or building sustainable
space programs. Concurrently, there is limited data or
documentation on the space activities of Iraq. This paper presents
the first comprehensive study of Iraqi past experiences for entering
the space technology in addition to the current and future challenges,
to the best of authors’ knowledge. This includes the experiences of
building a satellite launcher, satellite terminal, and earth station,
with the presentation of the applied system architecture,
technologies, and parameters, and shows the involved agreements
and countries that helped to improve this technology in Iraq.
Moreover, the study introduces a comparison between the
experiences in terms of system specifications and orbital parameters
experienced so far. Consequently, the outcomes of such study could
be an appropriate preliminary benchmark for space technology
improvers in Iraq and assistant countries to draw a broad idea of
satellite technology experiences in Iraq and future challenges.