Iran Launches Satellite Carrier

[thewiseguy]

Source: BBC NEWS

Iran says it has successfully launched a rocket capable of carrying its first domestically built satellite.

Officials said only the rocket had been fired, correcting state media reports that the communications satellite itself had been sent into orbit.

Tehran has pursued a space programme for years, despite international concern over its nuclear plans.

In February it sent a probe into space as part of preparations for the launch of the satellite.

Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/7566804.stm

[thunder rising]

1. Guess we were too busy strategerizing the next media propaganda blitz to monitor a missile launch?

Used to be US intel would be informing us, but in this new world, if they don't report it it didn't happen.

[Ghost Dog]

2. AFP: Iran sparks US concern with satellite rocket launch

TEHRAN (AFP) - Iran said it had sent a rocket carrying a dummy satellite into space on Sunday, triggering fresh concern in Washington that the technology could be diverted to ballistic missiles.

The launch is likely to further exacerbate tensions with the West over its nuclear drive, which Iran's arch-foe Washington and its allies claim is a cover for atomic weapons ambitions.

"The Safir (Ambassador) rocket was successfully launched. All its systems...are Iranian-made," Reza Taghipour, head of Iran's space agency, told state television, adding that a "test satellite was put into orbit."

"We have paved the way for placing a satellite in space in future," state television said, showing images of the pre-dawn rocket launch which was attended by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Western governments, already concerned over Iran's nuclear activities, have warned that the technology used in the Islamic republic's space programme could be diverted to military use, claims denied by Tehran.

"The Iranian development and testing of rockets is troubling and raises further questions about their intentions," White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe said.

"This action and dual use possibilities for their ballistic missile program are inconsistent with their UN Security Council obligations."

A top Iranian official told AFP that state media reports that the country's first domestically-built satellite, called Omid or Hope, had been launched were not correct.

/... http://www.afp.com/english/news/stories/newsmlmmd.a1b15bc15f608dee80853a9309b4881d.731.html

Good work from the Iranian techies and production people, obviously. Although my nose is twitching: perhaps all didn't go entirely as planned on this first mission? The Omid satellite, the first planned to be put into orbit, is described as a communications satellite, BTW.

[MilesColtrane]

3. Since they only have one satellite, it makes sense to test your delivery system first.

Especially with the stakes being so high for them.

Regardless of how large their military is, without the ability to communicate, they're dead in the water.
The first targets in an air attack would be radar and communications.

The way BushCo™ is rattling the sword, I don't blame them for rushing to get a bird up.

Hell, Bush might go ahead with the Iran bombing just to poke a finger in Putin's eye at this point.

[thewiseguy]

4. They already have a communication satellite in the orbit

Russians helped Iranians to launch that one.

This particular satellite will be used to monitor the climate.

[bemildred]

5. This means they can hit anyplace on the planet. right?

The first step to having an ICBM? Not much of a payload, I assume, but still. And a local product.

[Mika]

6. They can drop missiles, at will, like rain, from a platform in space right on us.

Don't ask questions!