Fajr satellite launch shows Iran scientific prowess: Defense minister
Iran's Defense Minister says the imminent launch of the Fajr (Dawn) satellite into the orbit proves Iran's high scientific power and its determination to continue its development programs.
Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi said the satellite will be launched in late May, most probably on May 23.
“The Islamic Republic is making good progress despite all pressures and sanctions and if hegemonic powers think that they can put pressure on Iran via sanctions, they are in fact squandering their own opportunities,” he added.
The minister said measures taken by some Western countries cannot deprive Iran of its growth and development opportunities.
“The pace of the country’s growth and development has increased and launching satellites in short intervals indicates Iran's [high] scientific capability,” he said.
Vahidi said the fact that Iran launches satellites using its own satellite carriers proves that exerting pressure on the country has been futile.
On May 13, Vahidi announced Iran would soon launch its indigenous Fajr satellite, which is a reconnaissance satellite powered by solar energy.
Fajr satellite will reportedly be placed in elliptical orbit of 400 km in radius, and will remain in space for a year and a half.
Iran launched its first indigenous satellite, Omid (Hope) in 2009. The country also sent its first biocapsule of living creatures into space in February 2010, using the indigenous Kavoshgar-3 (Explorer-3) carrier.
Iran is one of the 24 founding members of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, which was set up in 1959.
Tehran also plans to launch its first manned mission to space by 2019.
PressTV - Fajr satellite launch shows Iran scientific prowess: Defense minister