Iran Launches Space Payload Rocket Into Space
Interceptor Shield Report
Nathan J Hunt
August 17, 2008
The government of Iran has today announced that they have successfully launched a space launch vehicle designed for launching satellites into orbit, but it has not yet been confirmed whether or not Iran at this test put any object into orbit, there are conflicting reports being put out, some reports indicate that the rocket tested only the space launch vehicles ability to reach a high enough altitude to deploy a satellite, if this is the case then more tests will likely soon take place using the new rocket design before an actual satellite payload is placed on board.
Back in February of 2007 the government of Iran had tested another space launch vehicle but the rocked did not reach orbit. Today’s test of Iran’s Space vehicle also comes as the Iranian air force announced that its fighter planes ranges had been expanded from upgrades so that they can now reach Israel.
The test of Iran’s indigenously built space launch vehicle called the Safir “Ambassador” shows Iran’s growing knowledge of rocketry and missile systems and the ability to manufacture and produce high tech systems without needing to buy or import parts. The ability to put satellites into orbit can also be used to develop long range ballistic missiles that can deliver pay loads over great distances; Iran already has an advanced Short and medium range ballistic missile program. On July 9th Iran claimed to have fired multiple Shahab-3 Missiles in a training exercise but later on it was revealed that the photo’s released from the event had been doctored and not has many missiles had actually been fired.
The worlds reaction to today’s test is still be to seen, but it is sure to make the world leaders more worried as talks with the Iranian government about the country’s nuclear program continue to be unresolved and stalled with Iran refusing to halt enrichment at nuclear sites while negotiations are underway.
