Iran Launches First Home-Built Satellite into Orbit - Updated

Safir-2 Rocket Carrying Omid Satellite into Orbit

[ISNA, 3 February 2009]

Iran launched its first home-built satellite into orbit on Monday evening, coinciding with the week-long celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the Islamic revolution (February 1979).

The Omid (“Hope”) lightweight telecommunication satellite was put into orbit by home-built Safir-2 space rocket.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called the successful launch of Omid into orbit “another manifestation of the sincere hopes of the Islamic revolution.”

Fresh concerns were raised over the launch, coming at a time when Iran is ignoring repeated UN Security Council demands to freeze its uranium enrichment work. It is feared the technology used to launch today’s satellite could be used to develop long-range ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warhead. The US said it will use “all elements” of its “national power” to deal with Iran.

Update: Video




Update II For those interested in observing the satellite, they can go here to see where it is. H/T Geoff Forden @ ACW.