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Iranians inaugurate space project Iranians inaugurate space project
(about 5 hours later)
Iran has launched a research rocket to inaugurate a newly built space centre, state television reports. Iran has launched a research rocket to inaugurate a newly built space centre.
Pictures of the launch were broadcast to cries of "God is Great" from the television announcer. The test-launch for the country's first low-orbit research satellite was shown on Iranian state television to cries of "God is Great" from the announcer.
The test was for Iran's first low-orbit research satellite, which is planned for launch in March next year.
Correspondents say advances in Tehran's missile technology are likely to alarm Western powers, as Iran presses on with a controversial nuclear programme.Correspondents say advances in Tehran's missile technology are likely to alarm Western powers, as Iran presses on with a controversial nuclear programme.
The BBC's Jon Leyne in Tehran says it is a highly symbolic moment for the launch, on the 29th anniversary of the Iranian revolution. The White House called the launch "unfortunate", warning it would further isolate Iran from the global community.
There has been much patriotic music on TV as it reported the story. The BBC's Jon Leyne in Tehran says it is a highly symbolic moment for the launch, coinciding with the 29th anniversary of the Iranian revolution.
Reporting of the story on Iranian TV has been accompanied by a great deal of patriotic music.
'Important achievement''Important achievement'
The successful test-launch bodes well for Iran's low-orbit satellite project, with its scheduled launch date of March 2009.
We need to have an active and influential presence in space Mahmoud AhmadinejadIranian president
The space centre, at an unidentified desert location, includes an underground control station and launch pad for the satellite which will be named Omid (Hope).The space centre, at an unidentified desert location, includes an underground control station and launch pad for the satellite which will be named Omid (Hope).
"We need to have an active and influential presence in space," President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said in a televised ceremony before the launch."We need to have an active and influential presence in space," President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said in a televised ceremony before the launch.
"Iran took its first step very strongly, precisely and wisely," he said. "Building and launching a satellite is a very important achievement.""Iran took its first step very strongly, precisely and wisely," he said. "Building and launching a satellite is a very important achievement."
In February 2007, Iran said it had launched a rocket capable of reaching space - before it made a parachute-assisted descent to Earth.In February 2007, Iran said it had launched a rocket capable of reaching space - before it made a parachute-assisted descent to Earth.
In October 2005, a Russian rocket launched Iran's first satellite, the Sina-1, which carried photographic and telecommunications equipment.In October 2005, a Russian rocket launched Iran's first satellite, the Sina-1, which carried photographic and telecommunications equipment.
Western countries also fear Iran wants to produce nuclear weapons.Western countries also fear Iran wants to produce nuclear weapons.
Tehran denies this, insisting its uranium-enrichment programme is solely to generate electricity.Tehran denies this, insisting its uranium-enrichment programme is solely to generate electricity.
Tehran is already thought to have missiles which can reach Israel and this launch is seen as further evidence that it is developing its rocket technology.Tehran is already thought to have missiles which can reach Israel and this launch is seen as further evidence that it is developing its rocket technology.