First Iranian-made scientific satellite launched

Wagdy Sawahel
Date: 4 Feburay 2009
Source: science development network (www.sciencedev.net)

Iran launched into orbit its first domestically produced scientific satellite from within Iran making it the eighth to have independently launched a home-made satellite.

The satellite called Omid, ("Hope" in Persian), was launched using Iran's own satellite carrier, Safir 1 (Messenger), on 3 February.

Omid is both a scientific research satellite and a "lightweight telecommunications satellite," equipped with two frequency bands and eight antennae.

Omid will gather information and test equipment. After orbiting for one to three months, Omid will return to earth, bringing back data with it that will help Iranian experts send an operational satellite into space.

Omid will carry experimental satellite control devices, communications and digital equipment, and power supply systems, to a distance of around 250 to 350 kilometers from the earth's atmosphere.

According to aerospace programme, Iran would send another three satellites into space, in order to improve national disaster management programme and the country's telecommunications network in 2010 and will have an astronaut in space through first manned space mission by 2021.  Iran will also design a satellite called Besharat, which is to be launched in a joint effort with the members of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC).