February 08, 2011 08:03
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has announced that his government plans to launch into orbit several new domestically built satellites in the coming years.
Ahmadinejad's comments came Monday at the unveiling ceremony in Tehran for four new satellites named Fajr, Rasad, Zafar and Amir Kabir-1.
The ceremony also coincided with the 32nd anniversary week of Iran's Islamic Revolution. The Iranian government has a precedent for using the anniversary observances to announce its technological advances.
Last February, Iran unveiled three domestically built satellites. The year before, the country sent what it called its first research satellite into orbit.
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. Tehran maintains that its nuclear program solely exists to generate electricity.
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