Posted on 02/02/2009 10:54:43 PM PST by Steelfish
Iran makes first satellite launch
Iran has launched its first domestically made satellite into orbit, state media reports. TV commentary said Monday's night-time launch from a Safir-2 rocket was "another achievement for Iranian scientists under sanctions".
Iran is subject to UN sanctions because the US and other Western powers suspect it of trying to build a nuclear bomb. Iran denies this, saying its nuclear ambitions are limited to the production of energy.
The BBC's Jon Leyne in Tehran said the launch had been expected and is clearly timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Iranian revolution.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said the satellite was launched to spread monotheism, peace and justice in the world.
But it could cause alarm in the West because of fears that the satellite could be used to make a long-range missile, possibly with a nuclear war head, our correspondent says.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.bbc.co.uk ...
A Look at Iran
http://www.truthusa.com/IRAN.html
Is this confirmed?
Last time I recall it was a dud.
Yes- check the launch in the URL. This is pretty scary. Nostradamus redux.
Call me skeptical.
Launch vid doesn’t mean anything achieved orbit.
Just made it off the pad.
Tracking data that an object is actually up there is what would matter the most.
It runs on a 9-volt battery
NOW is the time to try out our own anti-Sat weapons systems .
And say ‘nothing’ about it.....send a subtle message .
oops, I forgot who we just elected...my bad...sorry
OPINION: The Satellite is is called “Omid” which translates to “Hope.”
Well, for a change the Iranians are showing us a bit of humor.
#
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3665899,00.html
“Report: Iran launches 1st home-made satellite”
SNIPPET: “Omid (Hope) satellite designed for research and telecommunications, state television says. Long-range ballistic technology used to put satellites into orbit can also be used for launching weapons”
Reuters
Published: 02.03.09, 07:13 / Israel News
The rocket was named as "Safir" in today's announcement but is almost certainly the same as the "Shahab SLV" reported last year. This is a derivative of the North Korean No Dong IRBM, which is part of a huge family of rockets derived from the infamous "Scud" (R-17) which traces its own ancestry all the way back to the German V-2 of World War 2.
Fwiw, the first American satellite, Explorer, was launched just over 50 years ago on an American development of the V-2, the Jupiter C (aka Redstone MRBM)), and American Moon rockets were designed by none other than the V-2's creator, Wernher von Braun.
Watching this story unfold in the media will be interesting. I certainly hope our military have substantial assets watching that thing right now.
Correct. You need to get your payload up to 17K mph+ to achieve orbital velocities...but velocities of a lot less puts them in range of all of Europe...and velocities of 14K mph (rough estimate) on the right tragectory puts them in range of the east coast. So...if you can put something in orbit...you can put it anywhere.
Now accuracy would be a problem for thse jug heads...but somehow...I don't really think they are too concerned with accuracy. They want the terror aspect.
I'm sure the satellite is there for targeting and guidance purposes. (The Soviets are teaching them well.)
Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=52939
Iran Satellite Launch Heightens Missile Development Concerns
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Feb. 3, 2009 – Iran’s launch of a low-orbit satellite into orbit yesterday “is clearly a concern of ours” because it could lead to the development of a ballistic missile system, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said today.
Morrell responded to questions about Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s announcement that Iran had launched its first Iranian-built satellite into orbit. A domestically built Ambassador-2 or Safir-2 rocket reportedly carried the satellite into space.
Iran has “officially achieved a presence in space,” Ahmadinejad declared as Iran observed the 30th anniversary of the Islamic revolution. The launch heightened concern that Iran could take the next step of developing long-range ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear warheads.
“It is certainly a reason for us to be concerned about Iran and its continued attempts to develop a ballistic missile program of increasingly long range,” Morrell said today. “Obviously, there are dual-use capabilities in the technology here which could be applied toward the development of a long-range ballistic missile.”
The United States isn’t the only country concerned about Iran’s activities. “Everybody in the region,” including Israel and its Arab neighbors, as well as U.S. allies in Europe and Russia, has raised concern, Morrell said.
During conversations with Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, former Russian President and current Prime Minister Vladimir Putin referred to Iran’s activities as Russia’s “No. 1 security threat,” Morrell said.
Yesterday’s launch only reinforced these concerns about Iran, Morrell told reporters.
“We have long recognized … that they pose a real threat, and it is a growing threat, and that they are determined to develop long-range ballistic missiles,” he said. “And I think all of Europe has recognized that to be the case, and that is why they unanimously embraced a third site for missile defense in Europe.”
NATO plans to put a European missile defense system in place to combat missiles fired from rogue states such as Iran. The radar for the NATO system will be in the Czech Republic, and the 10 interceptor missiles will be based in Poland.
Deputy State Department spokesman Robert Wood called today for increased pressure from the international community, including Russia and China, to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
“Russia and China share our concern about what Iran has been doing, not only with regard to its nuclear program, but … with regard to missile technology,” he said.
“I think, frankly, everyone can do better with regard to trying to limit Iran’s ability to act … with regard to missile technology and its nuclear program.”
U.N. Security Council Resolution 1718 prohibits Iran from engaging in missile-related activities.
Just wait till he finds out his god is really a goddess! And btw that jpg never gets old!
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