Iran Unveils New Satellites, Rockets, To Boost Scientific Might

[Purveyor]

By IBTimes Staff Reporter | February 8, 2011 6:29 AM EST

Iran has unveiled domestically manufactured satellites and a satellite-carrier rocket and would launch several new locally built satellites within the next 13 months, the local satellite Press TV reported.

Four national satellites, Fajr (Dawn), Rasad (Observation), Zafar (Victory) and Amirkabir I, and a satellite carrier Kavoshgar 4 (Explorer 4) were unveiled on Monday by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the report said. The first-stage and second-stage engines of the Safir-e-Fajr satellite carrier and a space recycling and environmental station were also unveiled during the ceremony.

The new landmarks in the space development also coincide with celebrations marking the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution.

Iran launched its first satellite into orbit in February 2009. In 2010, it unveiled three new communications satellites, plus a domestically produced carrier, Simorq, which can take a 100-kg satellite into orbit.

Iran is using the opportunity to tout its scientific and technological achievements after President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad opened a new space research and training centre last week.

Read more: http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/110004/20110208/iran-mahmoud-ahmadinejad-national-satellites-fajr-rasad-zafar-amirkabir-i-satellite-carrier-kavoshga.htm#ixzz1G1q3WyhK

[Kolesar]

1. Uh oh, what's next: a Sputnik and a revolution in Cuba?

:sarcasm:

[Statistical]

2. Iran is good an "unveiling" things not as good at delivering.

It claims success on its last satellite launch. The 26kg satellite fell out of orbit 2 months after launch.