Ayat Satellite to Record Signals from Earth to Predict Earthquakes

In an interview with Iranian media, Hassan Zamaniyan, the chairman of Scientific and Industrial Research Organization of Iran said that earthquakes cannot be predicted for the time being but the reason why the space project is being implemented in their organization is that no one can claim that earthquake prediction would remain impossible in the future.

“Ayat satellite is a cutting edge scientific project, and we are among the first in the world… as our previous satellite, Masbah was a pioneering satellite in the country,” he added. 

“The United States Geological Survey has announced that there are signals before an earthquake strikes, on which studies can be conducted in order to predict earthquakes, and we have implemented its conceptual design and sub-project, and currently 12 sub-projects have been defined for it,” Zamaniyan said.

Noting that Ayat satellite operates based on the electromagnetic signals that appear abnormally in the Earth before an earthquake hits, he explained more, “Before an earthquake strikes, there is a tension in the earth, which causes changes in some minerals, such as quartz mineral which has pyroelectric properties; hence, when it is compressed, it will become charged. Such mechanisms exist underground, and with the tension that is created, these minerals emit electromagnetic changes and push them towards the surface of the earth, and if these anomalies are accurately measured, it can help predictions.”

He said that their research organization will grant necessary funds for the project to produce Ayat, adding, “The construction phase of Ayat satellite requires $2 million, and if this fund is provided, we can advance the project well.”

According to preliminary studies, Ayat will weigh between 50 and 70 kg.

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