Iran launched its own satellite into space
Iran launched its first satellite into space communications ‘Safire Omid’ (Hope Envoy), using a domestically produced rocket. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, attended the Space Center, ordered the launch and congratulated the creators of this great success.
“The launch of the rocket carrying the first satellite Omid was conducted successfully,” said a statement from the staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, reported by IRNA.
The Iranian news network IRINN (Islamic Republic of Iran News Network) showed video segments of the satellite Omid Safire when he was launched into space.
Iran has conducted its own space program for years and in February sent a space probe as part of preparations for the launch. In October 2005 a Russian-made Iranian satellite, whose name is Sina1, was put into orbit by a Russian rocket.
Sunday’s launch comes amid a protracted row over Iran’s nuclear activities. United States and some European countries have demanded that Iran stop enriching uranium, which can be a first step toward making an atomic bomb, but Iran insists its intentions are peaceful.