At times, countries wishing to develop and test long-range missile (ICBM) technology will launch satellites. While there is indeed a satellite and it may serve legitimate purposes, the methods of delivery and its performance under the guise of ‘science’ as to not stir up suspicion is what the focus is on. Whether this is the case here is an unknown, however, what it certainly uncovers is a wide range of points: Iranian technology is modernizing, a proven delivery system capability exists without the need of outsourcing to a third party such as Russia, and a highly ambitious drive to be a world power. Combine that with Islamic radicalism and, Houston, we have a problem.
Iran on Friday launched an observation satellite into orbit above Earth, its third since 2009, the official IRNA news agency reported.
“The Navid satellite was launched successfully…. It will be placed into an orbit (at an altitude) between 250 and 370 kilometres,” IRNA quoted the head of Iran’s Space Organisation, Hamid Fazeli, as saying.
The launch comes as Iran is marking the anniversary of its 1979 Islamic revolution — and as tensions are heating up over Iran’s nuclear programme.
The 50-kilogram (110-pound) satellite is meant to stay in orbit for 18 months, sending back images to Iran as it completes a revolution of Earth every 90 minutes. It was unveiled two years ago and its launch had long been expected.
Full article: Iran launches observation satellite: media (Space Daily)
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