Iran Says It Has Launched Satellite

[onehandle]

Source: New York Times

LONDON — Iran said Tuesday it had launched what it described as its first satellite produced domestically as part of an effort to build a space industry.

The launch on Monday, coinciding with celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of the Islamic revolution, came at a time when the United States and other powers are worried about Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its deployment of long-range ballistic missiles.

It also came soon after President Obama struck a conciliatory tone toward Iran, conditionally offering dialogue after years of increasing tension over fears that Tehran wants to develop nuclear missiles — which Iran’s leaders deny.

The official news agency, IRNA, said the satellite was launched using a Safir-2 rocket and was “successfully set into orbit.”

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/04/world/middleeast/04ir...

[Dennis Donovan]

1. Holy Sputnik!

I'm sure the righties will claim this is reason to bomb the crap out of them.

[Purveyor]

2. That was quick. A week ago I posted a article that indicated the launch

would take place by March 20th.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

[MilesColtrane]

3. Wonder if this is going to prompt Israel to conduct a strike?

A functioning Iranian communications satellite was a major concern back when the Shoe Ducker was drawing up his own bombing plans.

Ground communications can be knocked out in a aerial assault, effectively blinding the opponents military. A satellite means that they can maintain command and control and still respond.

[EndersDame]

4. The More the Merrier! Hopefully this will cause another space race

Well probably not this but England India and China are trying to start space programs as well. The one good thing about the cold war was that it got our buts off this rock.It makes me so mad that we stopped . I think that every nation should have a space program. I have alot of pride as an American for our supremacy in space but, my better half reminded me that innovations in space should not nationalistic achievements but HUMAN achievements/victories..Just think how far advanced we would be if we kept reaching for the stars with the same fervor. Robert Heinlein has a book called Job with alternate timeline.In one timeline JFK was not assassinated and the space program continued. Hopefully going into space will remind us that we are all earthlings no matter what country we come from

[awoke_in_2003]

5. onehandle

In the future, please ensure that your subject line matches the headline when posting in LBN.

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awoke_in_2003
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