Iran has launched a satellite into earth orbit in a feat that is likely to raise concerns among those who fear Iran's intentions and nuclear development program.A report on state television said the locally produced satellite, called Rasad, or observation, was launched successfully by a Safir missile on Wednesday. There was no independent confirmation of the launch or of the satellite achieving orbit.
It would be the second satellite Iran has put into orbit. The first, named Omid, was launched in 2009.
The Iranian TV report said the new satellite is designed to produce high resolution maps.Iran's decade-long space program has raised alarms in the West, because the same technology that allows missiles to launch satellites can be used to fire warheads. Israel, the US and others charge that Iran is trying to develop nuclear weapons. Iran denies that.The TV report said the Rasad satellite, developed by Iran's aerospace agency, weighs 34 pounds and has been designed to orbit the earth 15 times a day at the height of 160 miles.
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