Tags: Iran, Satellite Launch, GEO
Publication: PressTV.com
Publication Date: 11/11/2012

The Navid-e Elm-o Sanat microsatellite, was launched by a modified Safir rocket earlier this year. Image credit: ISNA

The Iranian government announced plans to launch a GEO satellite on a solid-fueled missile developed by the late senior Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) commander Hassan Tehrani Moqaddam. Officials added that young scientists have joined the corps to push through Tehrani Moqaddam’s projects since his death last year after an explosion during the rocket’s test.

This would be the country’s fourth satellite. In 2009, Iran launched its first satellite, Omid, then in 2011, the 33.7-pounds Rasad orbiter which provided images of the earth transmitted with telemetry information to ground stations. The last satellite launched by the Iranian government was Navid earlier this year.

Additionally, in 2010 the country sent its first biocapsule with living creatures into space and it plans its first manned mission for 2019.

Officials have hinted that this fourth satellite would be the first that weights more than 200 pounds. A launch date has not been announced.

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