Iran launches satellite carrier rocket into space

Tehran, December 30

Iran on Thursday announced it launched a satellite carrier rocket bearing three devices into space, though it’s unclear whether any of the objects entered orbit around the Earth.

The state TV report, as well as others by Iran’s semiofficial news agencies, did not say when the launch was conducted nor what devices the carrier brought with it. However, the launch comes amid difficult negotiations in Vienna over Iran’s tattered nuclear deal.

Previous launches have drawn rebukes from the United States. The US State Department, Space Force and the Pentagon did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Ahmad Hosseini, a Defence Ministry spokesman, identified the rocket as ‘Simorgh’, or “Phoenix,” rocket. He said the three devices were sent up 470 kilometres (290 miles).

Hosseini was quoted as saying the “performance of the space centre and the performance of the satellite carrier was done properly”. He described the launch as “initial”, suggesting more were on the way.

The US says that such satellite launches defy a United Nations Security Council resolution calling on Iran to steer clear of any activity related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons.

Iran, which long has said it does not seek nuclear weapons, maintains its satellite launches and rocket tests do not have a military component. — AP

Previous setbacks

• Iran’s civilian space programme suffered a series of setbacks in recent years, including fatal fires and a launchpad rocket explosion that drew the attention of former US President Donald Trump
• The blast-offs have raised concerns in Washington about whether the technology used to launch satellites could advance Iran’s ballistic missile development

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