Concerns rise as Iran launches satellites into space

Iran yesterday launched three satellites into space, state-run media claimed.

It marks the latest milestone in Iran’s satellite programme, which the West views as part of Tehran’s continuous efforts to advance long-range ballistic missile capabilities.

“Three Iranian satellites were successfully launched into space for the first time, with the Simorgh satellite,” the Islamic Republic News Agency reported.

One satellite weighing 32kg and two nano-satellites weighing about 10kg each were sent to a minimum orbit of 450km, with the two smaller devices aimed at testing narrowband communication and geopositioning technology, Irna said.

The larger satellite, named Mahda and built by Iran’s Space Agency, is meant to test the accuracy of the Simorgh rocket in delivering cargoes to space.

“Mahda satellites and two nano-satellites were successfully put into orbit,” Irna said.

Earlier this month, Iran launched its Sorayya satellite into orbit with a rocket built by the military, raising concerns among European powers that the space launch vehicle’s technology could be used for the development of ballistic missile systems.

France, Germany and the UK said they “remain committed to taking every diplomatic step to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and to hold Iran to account for its destabilising activity in the region and internationally”.

Iran dismissed condemnation from Europe of its launch of the satellite, saying peaceful technological advancement in the aerospace field was the country’s legitimate right.

The US has said Iran’s satellite launches defy a UN Security Council resolution.

It called on Tehran to undertake no activity involving ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons.