Iran is now a Space Power

[Vlad Plasmius]

State television reports that Iran has successfully launched its first space rocket. Fars news agency quotes the deputy head of Iran's aerospace research centre, Ali Akbar Golrou, as saying the rocket reached an altitude of 150 kilometres, but did not stay in orbit.

Golrou said the rocket returned to earth by parachute. It was not reported from where in Iran the rocket had been launched or where it landed.

Source: Radio Free Europe (http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2007/02/d566ca81-9893-427b-921d-2a4d662eb31d.html)

Hmm, well that puts them on step closer to an ICBM. I wonder though, if they were using it to launch a satellites or if that was just a test.

[BLUEJACKET]

Iran says it blasted rocket into space
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17326341/

Iran in a race to space (http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/IB27Ak04.html)

Iran's space launch suggests no technology leap (http://www.janes.com/defence/news/jmr/jmr070227_1_n.shtml)


TEHRAN SHOOTS FOR THE STARS
Missile Defense Briefing Report No. 217, February 26, 2007

Iran is moving closer to becoming a space power. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (February 25) reports that the Islamic Republic has successfully launched its first rocket into space. The rocket, jointly developed by the country’s Ministries of Science & Technology and Defense, was successfully fired in recent days, reaching an altitude of 150 kilometers, regime officials have confirmed. Iranian representatives have declared that "building a satellite and satellite launcher... and becoming a member of the space club are part the Defense Ministry's plans."

If it was just about Iranian ICBMs/IRBMs, why not have those ABM installations in Turkey, Bulgaria & Romania instead-well to the south of Russia? If I was Russia's Chief of Staff I would be worrying too!

Missile Defense Redux-Saving Us From the Bad Guys Again ZNet
http://www.zmag.org/content/showarti...2&ItemID=12203

Missile Fantasies
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...022401239.html