Iran tests rocket and plans to launch satellite

[Dover]

Source: Reuters

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran launched a rocket on Monday designed to send its first homemade research satellite into orbit in the next year, state television said, a move likely to add to Western concerns about Tehran's nuclear plans.

The ability to put satellites into orbit could indicate an advance in the Islamic Republic's missile technology, though official media gave few details.

State television reported the rocket had blasted off but did not show the launch. It had earlier broadcast footage of a rocket on a launch pad in desert terrain.

It said the satellite, called Omid (Hope), would be launched in the next Iranian year, which ends in March 2009.

"We need to have an active and influential presence in space," President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said in a televised ceremony before the launch...>


Read more: http://uk.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUKL0423337120080204

[krispos42]

1. Well, thank God we have the Invisible Space Condom to protect us!

Lord knows the current pResident wouldn't want any of the icky "knowledge" stuff attacking this country!

[Javaman]

3. I would be more alarmed if the article read...

"Iran fires space rocket from shopping center".

This is nothing new.

[flashl]

2. Iran fires rocket from space center

Source: CNN

TEHRAN, Iran (CNN) -- Iran fired a rocket from its newly inaugurated space center Monday, laying the groundwork for what it says will be the future launch of its first domestically produced satellite, the semi-official FARS news agency reported.

The "Researcher One" rocket is designed to carry a satellite into a low earth orbit.

The report said the rocket was launched "into space." But similar previous technological achievements announced by the Islamic republic have been greeted with doubt by analysts.

Monday's launch came a short time after Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad inaugurated the center Monday, according to the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency.

CNN

Read more: http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/02/04/iran.rocket/

[paparush]

4. Mine Shaft Gap!!!!

/obligatory