By IBTimes Staff Reporter | February 8, 2011 6:29 AM EST Iran has unveiled domestically manufactured satellites and a satellite-carrier rocket and would launch several new locally built satellites within the next 13 months, the local satellite Press TV reported.
Four national satellites, Fajr (Dawn), Rasad (Observation), Zafar (Victory) and Amirkabir I, and a satellite carrier Kavoshgar 4 (Explorer 4) were unveiled on Monday by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the report said.
The first-stage and second-stage engines of the Safir-e-Fajr satellite carrier and a space recycling and environmental station were also unveiled during the ceremony.
The new landmarks in the space development also coincide with celebrations marking the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution.
Iran launched its first satellite into orbit in February 2009. In 2010, it unveiled three new communications satellites, plus a domestically produced carrier, Simorq, which can take a 100-kg satellite into orbit.
Iran is using the opportunity to tout its scientific and technological achievements after President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad opened a new space research and training centre last week.
While Western nations have expressed concern that Iran could use its satellite-launching technology for long-range missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads, Iran denies having military goals for its space or nuclear programs stressing that its nuclear program solely exists to generate electricity.
Despite Tehran's claims, the UN Security Council has passed three sets of sanctions against Iran over the country's refusal to halt peaceful enrichment work, targeting Iran's shipping industry, insurance, banking and energy sectors.
