Iran to launch satellite into space
TLT News
· 01/27/2007 15:20
Iran is poised to launch a satellite into space, Aviation Week and
Space Technology has said on its website.
According to Iranmania.com, a recently assembled, 30-ton ballistic
missile-turned space launcher could also be used for testing
longer-range missile strike technologies.
The Iranian space launcher `will liftoff soon’ with an Iranian
satellite, said Alaoddin Boroujerdi, chairman of the Iranian
parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission.
Iran’s space launcher raises concerns in the West that it could
eventually lead to an Iranian intercontinental ballistic missile
(ICBM) with a range of nearly 4,000 kilometers (2,500 miles), putting
central Europe, Russia, China and India within its range.
The planned satellite launch, besides demonstrating Iran’s technical
prowess, `would be a potent political and emotional weapon in the
Middle East,’ the Aviation Week article said.
`Orbiting its own satellite would send a powerful message throughout
the Muslim world about the Shiite regime in Tehran,’ it said.