Iran launches new research satellite Chamran-1 into orbit
Al Jazeera
Tehran says its satellite launches are civilian in nature but West warns technology can be used for ballistic missiles.
Iran has launched a new research satellite into orbit, state media reported, taking another step in advancing its aerospace programme while defying criticism and objections from Western countries.
The primary mission of the Chamran-1 research satellite, which weighs 60kg (132 pounds), “is to test hardware and software systems for demonstrating orbital manoeuvring technology in height and phase”, state media said on Saturday following what it said was a “successful” launch.
“It was put into orbit by the Ghaem-100 carrier,” the report said, adding that its first signals have also been received.
The Ghaem-100 rocket, which carried the latest satellite, is manufactured by the Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The carrier is the country’s first three-stage, solid-fuel satellite launcher, and official media reported its use in January to send a satellite for the first time into an orbit above 500km (310 miles).
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