Iran to launch new space mission soon

Tue Sep 6, 2011

Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi has announced the forthcoming launch of a bio-capsule into space carrying a live creature.

Iran's domestically-built satellite carrier, Kavoshgar 5, is tasked with carrying the bio-capsule into space with a live creature over the next few days, IRIB quoted General Vahidi as saying on Tuesday.

Reports indicate that the launch could take place as early as Wednesday.

In March, Iran successfully launched Kavoshgar 4 rocket, capable of sending satellites and carrying live creatures into space.

As part of a plan to develop its space program, Iran successfully launched a satellite, dubbed Rassad (Observation), into the earth's orbit on June 15.

The Rassad satellite was the country's first space-based imaging device.

The country's Rassad satellite recently completed its mission following its launch in mid-June.

Iran launched its first domestically-built data-processing satellite, the Omid (Hope), into orbit in 2009.

The Islamic Republic is one of the 24 founding members of the United Nations' Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, which was set up in 1959.

Source: PressTV.
Link: http://www.presstv.ir/detail/197676.html.