Iran plans to launch a new satellite at the end of August, RIA Novosti reports, citing Iranian Minister of Telecommunication Rezu Tagipura. The Rassad-1’ Satellite will be launched using an Iranian rocket.
The deputy minister of telecommunications, Mohammed Khosseynpur, said that Iran plans to launch 2 satellites this year.
The launch of the first national satellite into orbit was carried out in February 2008. In November 2008 Tehran launched a second rocket - Kavoshagar-2 - carrying scientific equipment.
The West is concerned by the launches because it indicates that Tehran is close to constructing high-range ballistic missiles. The international community believes Tehran is seeking to build nuclear weapons.
