Iran launches second satellite-carrier Safir rocket into space

William Atkins
Monday, 18 August 2008 21:14

Science - Space

On Sunday, August 17, 2008, the Iranian government announced that it "successfully" launched, for the second time, its Safir two-stage “satellite-carrier” rocket into space. It supposedly lifted a “dummy” satellite into orbit.


The launch of the Safir (also meaning “ambassador” or “messenger”) was in preparation for the future launch of Iran’s first indigenously launched satellite into orbit—its Omid (meaning “hope” or "peace").

The “dummy” satellite supposedly made a successful insertion into orbit, about 404 miles (650 kilometers) above the Earth’s surface. It apparently passes over Iran six times in one day (24-hour period).

Confirmation of the orbital insertion by the “dummy” satellite has yet to be made by other national space agencies. Already U.S. officials are doubting the success of the launch.

The Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), the state-run media organization of Iran, announced the news on Sunday, August 17, 2008, after receiving news that the launch was successful by the Iranian Space Agency (ISA), which is Iran’s governmental space agency.

Headed by Reza Taghizadeh, the ISA conducts research for Iran in the field of space and technology, including such areas as remote sensing.

The rocket test launch on Sunday was in preparation for Iran to launch its first research satellite into orbit. According to CNN, the IRNA stated that the rocket launch "paved the way for placing the first Iranian satellite in orbit.” [CNN: “Iran test fires rocket, says state media”]

According to the IRNA article “Ministry confirms Safir satellite-carrier rocket launch,” the “rocket had been built by Iranian experts and fired tentatively on the auspicious birthday anniversary of Hazrat Mahdi (May God Hasten His Reappearance).”

FYI: Hazrat Mahdi (Muhammad al-Mahdi) is the Shiites’ twelfth Imam (Islamic leader).

In addition, the IRNA article “Iran launches satellite into orbit” stated: “Experts said the launching represented a potentially significant if much-delayed step in Iran's efforts to join the international space club.”

The IRNA article concluded by saying that the Iranian government, “... hopes to launch four more satellites by 2010.”

Please read page two for information on Omid, the first domestic satellite for Iran.