Satellite photos show burning Iran space center launch pad

AP ^ | 8/29/2019 | JON GAMBRELL

[McGruff]

A rocket at an Iranian space center that was to conduct a satellite launch criticized by the U.S. apparently exploded on its launch pad Thursday, satellite images show, suggesting the Islamic Republic suffered its third failed launch this year alone.

State media and officials did not immediately acknowledge the incident at the Imam Khomeini Space Center in Iran’s Semnan province.

However, satellite images by Planet Labs Inc. showed a black plume of smoke rising above a launch pad there, with what appeared to be the charred remains of a rocket and its launch stand. In previous days, satellite images had shown officials there repainted the launch pad blue.

On Thursday morning, half of that paint apparently had been burned away.

[Westbrook]

Is it just me?

I sense an Israeli virus in their software.

[outofsalt]

Three rockets in one year... Do you think that costs about as much as what Obama, Jarrett and Kerry flew over in cash?
Now if only someone can account for what was skimmed off.

[headstamp 2]

[[[I tell you Achmed, they’ll just think it’s a lake...]]]

LOL, I’m in the presence of greatness.

[JGT]

Iran is seeing that DEWs (Directed Energy Weapons) are not science fiction.

https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/capabilities/directed-energy.html

[niteowl77]

Dude! Imam Khomeini has a spaceport... just like Mos Eisley!

[arthurus]

I wonder just who failed the rocket? I would like to think it was a high-tech form of Arkancide.

[catbertz]

I.LOVE.SPACE.LASERS! 😁

[BeauBo]

[Waverunner]

I love laser pods mounted on F-35’s. Go Israel.

[oldvirginian]

HaMossad leModiʿin uleTafkidim Meyuḥadim has eyes everywhere and fingers in many pies.

[budj]

I think I get it.

[Billthedrill]

That isn’t how you build a missile program. You’re supposed to use American and Soviet know-how and kidnap a few Nazi rocket scientists like we did.

[TomServo]

Yup...

[real saxophonist]

I used to build and launch model rockets when I was younger. Never had one attack me, though.

[Vinnie]

Exactly what I was thinking.

[Delta 21]

Rods from God. On time, on target.

[Justa]

The JUICE!

[moovova]

Israelis at it again...good job Moussad.

[TomGuy]

Imam Khomeini Space Center

I thought it was idolatry for Islamists to have earthly things named after them.

[Calvin Locke]

Not bad.

Not as good as the one that struck back at Ludlow Kissell, though.