Iran launched its first home-made satellite into orbit today, state television reported, displaying progress in space technology at a time of persistent international tension over its nuclear programme
The Omid (Hope) satellite, sent into space as Iran marks the 30th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution this month, was designed for research and telecommunications, said the television, which carried footage of the launch.
The long-range ballistic technology used to put satellites into orbit can also be used for launching weapons, although Iran says it has no plans to do so.
"In another achievement for Iranian scientists under sanctions, Iran launched its first home-made Hope satellite into orbit," according to state television.
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was quoted saying: "Iran's presence in space with the aim of expanding monotheism, peace and justice has now been officially recorded in history."
The Omid was designed for gathering information and testing equipment and was carrying experimental satellite control devices and power supply systems.
Iran is under UN and US sanctions because the United States and other Western powers suspect Tehran is amassing the capability to produce nuclear weapons.
The Islamic state, the world's fourth-largest oil producer, says its nuclear ambitions are limited to the peaceful generation of electricity to meet the demands of its economy and enable it to export more of its crude and gas.
Reuters