Iran sat

Iran says will launch first satellite in April

TEHRAN (AFP) Sep 02, 2004

Iran intends to launch its first satellite into space in
April 2005, with the device described as being purely for
civil purposes, Iranian media reported Thursday.

The satellite, code-named Mesbah (lantern), was shown on state
television. It is said to weigh 60 kilograms (132 pounds) and is
cube-shaped which each side measuring 50 centimetres (20 inches).
It will be put into orbit at an altitude of 900 kilometres
(about 560 miles).

"The satellite will be used to identify natural resources,
control the electrical and energy network (gas and oil), and
later on can be used by communications and crisis management,"
press reports said.

The head of the Islamic republic's Scientific and Industrial
Research Centre, Seyed Mohammad Fathi, was quoted as saying the
project would allow Iran to develop other satellites in the future.

In January, Iran's defence minister said the satellite would be
launched by Iranian technology, but gave no further details.

In January, Iran's defence minister said the satellite would be
launched by Iranian technology, but gave no further details.

Question: Iran, like Israel, has a problem with neighboring
countries that might not appreciate having a rocket fired
in their direction. Assuming Iran cares about such matters, the
launch is likely to be to the south, over the Arabian Sea. But
what's the most probable launch site/region?

: In January, Iran's defence minister said the satellite would be
: launched by Iranian technology, but gave no further details.

: Question: Iran, like Israel, has a problem with neighboring
: countries that might not appreciate having a rocket fired
: in their direction. Assuming Iran cares about such matters, the
: launch is likely to be to the south, over the Arabian Sea. But

Well, Iran would have international law on its side even if an
ascending rocket did fly over another nations territoriy. They may, as
you suggest, however, try and launch to the SE over the Arabian Sea.
At any rate, the far most likely launch site is at/near the Semnan Missile
Facility, 35 deg 34' north by 53 deg 23' e. There are a number of
web pages (globalsecurity, etc.) that mention the site, but there is not
a great deal of detail available. It is apparently where Shihab type
missiles have been getting tested, and also has production facilities for
military rockets.

regards,
---------------------------------------------------