The rocket, called Shahab-3, is believed to be a medium-range ballistic missile that was not intended to orbit about the Earth. Instead, it was considered a sounding rocket, or a research rocket intended to carry instruments for scientific measurements or experiments while in a suborbital trajectory. The rocket is believed to have a range of 2,010 kilometers (1,250 miles). After performing its mission, Iranian officials announced it had returned to Earth with the use of a parachute.

The launch is an apparent test of the country's intention  to expand its space capabilities and to increase its communication systems.

The Iranian Space Agency (ISA), its counterpart to NASA in the United States, is a governmental space research organization. Its goal is to conduct research in the fields of aerospace and aeronautics, including remote sensing and communications. Before the launch the ISA announced it intended to launch five satellites into orbit by the year 2010.

According to a statement made by Iranian officials, the spacecraft was built by the Science and Technology ministry and the Defense ministry, its rocket was owned by the Ministry of Construction, and the research equipment was produced by Iran’s Aerospace Research Center and its Defense ministry.

According to Radio Free Europe, the Iranian Defense Minister is quoted to have said in the newspaper Etemad e-Melli on February 24, 2007: "building a satellite and satellite launcher...and becoming a member of the space club are part the Defense Ministry's plans."

The country launched its first artificial satellite (built by the Russians) on October 28, 2005, called Sinah-1, with the help of a Russian Kosmos-3M rocket.

An official with the Iranian government specifically stated that despite rumors from various media sources, the satellite was not a missile but a rocket for scientific and research purposes, specifically carrying instruments for atmospheric tests.

{moscomment}

Tags See All Tags

NASA  Research  Russia  Science  Space  William Atkins