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Iran 'fires satellite into space' Iran launches satellite carrier
(about 1 hour later)
Iran has launched its first domestically-manufactured satellite into orbit, reports say. Iran says it has successfully launched a rocket capable of carrying its first domestically built satellite.
An Iranian news network, IRINN, showed footage of what it said was a communications satellite named Safir-e Omid (Hope Envoy) being launched. Officials said only the rocket had been fired, correcting state media reports that the communications satellite itself had been sent into orbit.
The pictures were accompanied by patriotic songs and music. Tehran has pursued a space programme for years, despite international concern over its nuclear plans.
Iran has pursued its own space programme for years. In February it sent a probe into space as part of preparations for this launch. In February it sent a probe into space as part of preparations for the launch of the satellite.
Long-held ambitionLong-held ambition
Footage aired on IRINN (Islamic Republic of Iran News Network) showed the launch of the rocket in darkness. Footage aired on Irinn (Islamic Republic of Iran News Network) showed the launch of the rocket in darkness.
The presenter said that the satellite launch was a trial which was successful. State and military officials confirmed that the launch had taken place. The presenter said that the satellite launch was a trial which was successful. State and military officials confirmed the launch had taken place.
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was at the launch, said one report. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was at the event, said one report.
Iran has long pursued its own space programme.
In October 2005 a Russian-made Iranian satellite named Sina-1 was put into orbit by a Russian rocket.In October 2005 a Russian-made Iranian satellite named Sina-1 was put into orbit by a Russian rocket.
Sunday's launch comes amid a long-running dispute over Iran's nuclear activities.Sunday's launch comes amid a long-running dispute over Iran's nuclear activities.
The US and some European countries have demanded that Iran curtail uranium enrichment - but Iran protests that its purposes are peaceful and says it has a right to continue.The US and some European countries have demanded that Iran curtail uranium enrichment - but Iran protests that its purposes are peaceful and says it has a right to continue.