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Iran launches satellite carrier | Iran launches satellite carrier |
(about 4 hours later) | |
Iran says it has successfully launched a rocket capable of carrying its first domestically built satellite. | Iran says it has successfully launched a rocket capable of carrying its first domestically built satellite. |
Officials said only the rocket had been fired, correcting state media reports that the communications satellite itself had been sent into orbit. | Officials said only the rocket had been fired, correcting state media reports that the communications satellite itself had been sent into orbit. |
The White House voiced concern, saying the technology could also be used for launching weapons. | |
Tehran has pursued a space programme for years, despite international concern over its nuclear plans. | Tehran has pursued a space programme for years, despite international concern over its nuclear plans. |
In February it sent a probe into space as part of preparations for the launch of the satellite. | In February it sent a probe into space as part of preparations for the launch of the satellite. |
Long-held ambition | Long-held ambition |
Footage aired on Irinn (Islamic Republic of Iran News Network) showed the launch of the Safir rocket in darkness. | Footage aired on Irinn (Islamic Republic of Iran News Network) showed the launch of the Safir rocket in darkness. |
The presenter said that the satellite launch was a trial which was successful. State and military officials confirmed 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 event, said one report. | President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was at the event, said one report. |
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. |
White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe said: "The Iranian development and testing of rockets is troubling and raises further questions about their intentions. | |
"This action and dual use possibilities for their ballistic missile programme are inconsistent with their UN Security Council obligations." | |
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. |