spacetoday.net: Report: Iran performs space launch

Posted: Sun, Aug 17, 2008, 8:16 PM ET (0016 GMT)
Iran has carried out the launch of a rocket at least capable of placing a satellite into orbit, although reports were unclear if the vehicle was in fact carrying a spacecraft. According to Iranian media reports, the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics performed the launch of the Safir ("Messenger") rocket. While initial reports said that a communications satellite, Omid, was launched by the rocket, other reports indicated that only a test of dummy satellite of some kind was carried by the rocket. The launch has raised concerned in some countries, in particular the United States, who are concerned that the rocket technology could also be used for long-range missiles with the capability to carry nuclear warheads.