Iran launches own space satellite to mark 30 years since rev

frigidmagi · Post by **frigidmagi** » Tue Feb 03, 2009 1:25 pm

Time.Uk

[quote]Iran has claimed success in launching its first home-built satellite into orbit, using a rocket which the West believes is part of its long-term ballistic missile programme.

Until official satellite spotters confirm Tehranâ€™s claim, made by President Ahmadinejad, the Iranian leader, on state television, the announcement will be treated with a degree of scepticism. The first two attempts at launching an Iranian-built satellite, in February and August last year, failed.

If the Iranian Presidentâ€™s claim turns out to be true, however, it will provide further proof of Tehranâ€™s growing ability to master the technology for developing a long-range ballistic missile.

Despite Mr Ahmadinejadâ€™s insistence that the satellite mission was purely for peaceful purposes, experts said there was an undeniable link between the rocket launch and Iranâ€™s military programme.
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Duncan Lennox, editor of Janeâ€™s Strategic Weapons Systems, said: â€œIran is just following what the United States, Russia and China did in the early stages of their missile programmes, transferring the technology from satellite launches to ballistic missiles.â€

LadyTevar · Post by **LadyTevar** » Tue Feb 03, 2009 1:35 pm

But we have no confirmation, so thus far it's just smoke and mirrors.

The Minx · Post by **The Minx** » Tue Feb 03, 2009 5:54 pm

Shoot, I was planning to post that yesterday.

Yes, it's pretty much cause for concern.

frigidmagi · Post by **frigidmagi** » Wed Feb 04, 2009 8:15 am

Actually Tev NASA has confirmed and is tracking the sat. I'll try to dig up a link.

frigidmagi · Post by **frigidmagi** » Wed Feb 04, 2009 10:07 am

And good old Space.com comes through citing US military tracking data and even giving us more exact stats.

SirNitram · Post by **SirNitram** » Wed Feb 04, 2009 1:25 pm

This will sound odd.

I fully endorse this. I hope the Iranians follow through with building an orbital network for communications, disaster relief, and of course, national penis waving.

Shit's expensive, and every dollar into a commsat is a dollar not into the military.

frigidmagi · Post by **frigidmagi** » Wed Feb 04, 2009 4:30 pm

$10 bucks says they just use this as a military test bed.

LadyTevar · Post by **LadyTevar** » Wed Feb 04, 2009 5:15 pm

Sucker-bet, Frigid.

LibriumArcana.Games

Iran launches own space satellite to mark 30 years since rev

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