Iran sent its first domestically made satellite into orbit, the president announced Tuesday, a key step for an ambitious space program that worries the U.S. and other world powers because the same rocket technology used to launch satellites can also deliver warheads.
For nearly a decade, Iran has sought to develop a national space program, creating unease among international leaders already concerned about its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
The telecommunications satellite — called Omid, or hope, in Farsi — was launched late Monday after President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad gave the order to proceed, according to a report on state radio. State television showed footage of what it said was the nighttime liftoff of the rocket carrying the satellite at an unidentified location in Iran.
A U.S. counterproliferation official confirmed the launch and suggested the technology was not sophisticated. Speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence gathering, the official said it appeared it "isn't too far removed from Sputnik," the first Soviet orbiter launched in 1957.
The TV report praised the launch as part of festivities marking the 30th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution that toppled the U.S.-backed Shah and brought hard-line clerics to power.
In a year in which Ahmadinejad faces a tough election battle to stay in power, the launch provided a symbol of national pride to hold up even as falling oil prices batter the economy and the hard-line leader's popularity.
As it seeks to expand its influence in the Middle East, Iran touts such technological successes as signs it can advance despite U.S. and U.N. sanctions over its nuclear program.
The launch touched off concern in the United States, Europe and Israel about possible links between its satellite programs and its work with missiles and nuclear technology.
"There's almost always a link between satellite programs like this and military programs and there's almost always a link between satellites and nuclear weapons. It's the same delivery vehicle," said James Lewis, an expert on defense technology at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.
White House spokesman Robert Gibbs condemned the launch, saying: "This action does not convince us that Iran is acting responsibly to advance stability or security in the region."
State Department spokesman Robert A. Wood accused Iran of using the space-launch program as a technological stepping stone to develop long-range ballistic missiles.
"Iran's ongoing efforts to develop its missile delivery capabilities remain a matter of deep concern," Wood said. "Iran's development of a space-launch vehicle capable of putting a satellite into orbit establishes the technical basis from which Iran could develop long-range ballistic missile systems."
Yiftah Shapir, a top Israeli expert on the Iranian space program, said the launch itself "doesn't really mean much to Israel, we knew about it before hand."
"The significance is in the technology itself. They are making progress and working on a program to spy on targets worldwide. But they are decades away from achieving that," said Shapir, who heads the military balance project at the Institute for National Security Studies, a think tank at Tel Aviv University.
The United States and some of its allies accuse Iran of pursuing a covert nuclear weapons program. Iran denies the charge, saying its atomic work is only for peaceful purposes, such as power generation.
The announcement of the launch came as officials from the U.S., Russia, Britain, France, Germany and China were set to meet Wednesday near Frankfurt to talk about Iran's nuclear program. The group has offered Iran a package of incentives if it suspends uranium enrichment and enters into talks on its nuclear program. The U.N. Security Council has imposed sanctions to pressure Iran to comply.
"This test underlines and illustrates our serious concerns about Iran's intentions," Britain's Middle East minister Bill Rammell said Tuesday. "There are dual applications for satellite-launching technology in Iran's ballistic missile program."
Ahmadinejad insisted the launch was intended to be a message of peace and friendship to the world. "We need science for friendship, brotherhood and justice," he told state television.
The launch has clear political aims, said Lewis. "You can say, 'I am the dominant power in the region and here's the proof.' That's what a space launch does for you."
The satellite was taken into orbit by a Safir-2, or ambassador-2, rocket, which was first tested in August and has a range of 155 miles. Iranian television said the satellite would orbit at an altitude of between 155 and 250 miles.
State radio said it is designed to circle the Earth 15 times during a 24-hour period and send reports to the space center in Iran. It has two frequency bands and eight antennas for transmitting data.
Ahmadinejad said the satellite reached its orbit and had made contact with ground stations, though not all of its functions were active yet. He said Iran would now seek to increase the ability of its satellite-carrier rockets to carry more weight.
Iran's space plans are lofty and even hold out the goal of putting a man in orbit within 10 years, though accomplishing that would be extremely expensive.
A domestic satellite program would put Iran in a growing club — more than 80 countries are building or planning to build their own satellites, according to Lewis. But the ability to launch them is a much more exclusive crowd; only nine countries have done so.
In 2005, Iran launched its first commercial satellite on a Russian rocket in a joint project with Moscow, which is a partner in transferring space technology to Iran along with North Korea and China. That same year, the government said it had allocated $500 million for space projects in the next five years.
Iran has said it wants to put its own satellites into orbit to monitor natural disasters in the earthquake-prone nation and improve its telecommunications. Iranian officials also point to America's use of satellites to monitor Afghanistan and Iraq and say they need similar abilities for their security.
so lets get this straight, Iran sends a satellite into space and that is something bad according to the U.S. goverment? lol. so yes America can sends many many satellites into space, but hey thats ok, Iran does it, and hey thats bad and shows evil intentions, those **** evil Muslim Mullahs! how dare they attempt to start going into space, Muslims dont have a right to such ambitions and technology!
you would think America would say Israels recent massacre and terrorism in gaza would be a sign that the Israelis are not moving toward a stable and peaceful mid-east, but nooooooo no no no, Iran sending a satellite into space, thats the real bad guy, not Israels massacre of Gaza, gosh, this goverment makes me so sick, they sure as heck dont represent or speak for me.
Re: Iran sends Satellite into space, USA complains
Iran sent its first domestically made satellite into orbit, the president announced Tuesday, a key step for an ambitious space program that worries the U.S. and other world powers because the same rocket technology used to launch satellites can also deliver warheads.
LOL, the US gov'ment thinks Iran is basically the empire from star wars and the iranian satelite is the death star.
I'm surprised they haven't told these guys off for creating transformers!.
Someone said to the Prophet, "Pray to God against the idolaters and curse them." The Prophet replied, "I have been sent to show mercy and have not been sent to curse." (Muslim)
Re: Iran sends Satellite into space, USA complains
USA complains !?
And as for the onewho fears standing in front of His Lord and restrainsthe soul from impure evil desires and lusts, verily, Paradise will be his abode [79:40-41]
Re: Iran sends Satellite into space, USA complains
I think there must be some sort of entrenched unhappy response template in Washington for issuing governmental responses to any prospective Iranian technological advances.
I don't expect any sort of fundamental change in US government policy towards either israel or Iran. Especially not when we're dealing with a Clinton State Department.
Re: Iran sends Satellite into space, USA complains
Im sure everybody thinks its absolutely great idea for Iran to have the ability to fire missiles to targets around the world, especially with the current cat and mouse play with the nuclear weapons program. Anything really goes just as long as you can criticise "teh evöl amerikkkan empire".
Re: Iran sends Satellite into space, USA complains
format_quote Originally Posted by Suomipoika
Im sure everybody thinks its absolutely great idea for Iran to have the ability to fire missiles to targets around the world, especially with the current cat and mouse play with the nuclear weapons program. Anything really goes just as long as you can criticise "teh evöl amerikkkan empire".
Re: Iran sends Satellite into space, USA complains
format_quote Originally Posted by Suomipoika
Im sure everybody thinks its absolutely great idea for Iran to have the ability to fire missiles to targets around the world, especially with the current cat and mouse play with the nuclear weapons program. Anything really goes just as long as you can criticise "teh evöl amerikkkan empire".
Re: Iran sends Satellite into space, USA complains
format_quote Originally Posted by Suomipoika
Im sure everybody thinks its absolutely great idea for Iran to have the ability to fire missiles to targets around the world, especially with the current cat and mouse play with the nuclear weapons program. Anything really goes just as long as you can criticise "teh evöl amerikkkan empire".
If Iran wasn't excluded in the first place, we would not have this problem.
History shows that if a given country (you know, a nation of a millions) is excluded, they tend to get angry, and things tend to escalate. Happened with North Korea, happened with Iran.
So I hope the Obama administration will extend serious diplomacy to Iran rather than more threats, which will just exacerbate the problem. Mock all you like. For all our sakes, I hope the White House does not share this attitude. Also, naturally, Iran has to play ball and come to the table to seriously discuss these issues rather than grandstanding, as understandable as it is that they do so.
There's also the double-standards of nuclear proliferation, but that's a whole other issue.
If Iran wasn't excluded in the first place, we would not have this problem.
History shows that if a given country (you know, a nation of a millions) is excluded, they tend to get angry, and things tend to escalate. Happened with North Korea, happened with Iran.
Im not entirely sure what do you mean by exclusion, but as far as I know Iran trades quite alot with the world, including the EU. Some of its biggest trading partners are Germany and Italy. You can catch plane from quite many countries direct to Teheran. Diplomatically EU has had talks with Iran for long time now.
Also how does Libya factor into your exclusion scenario?
So I hope the Obama administration will extend serious diplomacy to Iran rather than more threats, which will just exacerbate the problem. Mock all you like. For all our sakes, I hope the White House does not share this attitude. Also, naturally, Iran has to play ball and come to the table to seriously discuss these issues rather than grandstanding, as understandable as it is that they do so.
Im sorry for the mockery but its so very tiresome, why is it always somebody elses fault, this time because of "exclusion"? EU has been engaged diplomatically with Iran for years, why hasnt that been enough since it was enough for Libya? Why dont you even count that? What makes it not serious enough diplomacy?
We've tried the carrot for years now, its obviously not working. All Iran is doing is buying more time. For all our sakes, I hope White House does soon something decisive to prevent Iran from accuiring nuclear weapons.
There's also the double-standards of nuclear proliferation, but that's a whole other issue.
Despite any real and/or imagined unfairness and/or double-standards, how does any of your post make it any better that we soon have a country like Iran with the ability to strike around the world, possibly with nukes?
Re: Iran sends Satellite into space, USA complains
format_quote Originally Posted by Suomipoika
Im not entirely sure what do you mean by exclusion, but as far as I know Iran trades quite alot with the world, including the EU. Some of its biggest trading partners are Germany and Italy. You can catch plane from quite many countries direct to Teheran. Diplomatically EU has had talks with Iran for long time now.
Also how does Libya factor into your exclusion scenario?
Im sorry for the mockery but its so very tiresome, why is it always somebody elses fault, this time because of "exclusion"? EU has been engaged diplomatically with Iran for years, why hasnt that been enough since it was enough for Libya? Why dont you even count that? What makes it not serious enough diplomacy?
We've tried the carrot for years now, its obviously not working. All Iran is doing is buying more time. For all our sakes, I hope White House does soon something decisive to prevent Iran from accuiring nuclear weapons.
Look, the White House (not only the EU) has to negotiate with Iran, and Iran has to stop with the provocation and deflection. It goes both ways. But, if someone is looking for a fight like this, you don't give it to them.
Also, Iran is already under sanctions - there's not much more that can be done to stop its acquirement of nuclear weapons, short of bombing it into the stone age. Which I hope does not become a staple of the Obama Administration.
Despite any real and/or imagined unfairness and/or double-standards, how does any of your post make it any better that we soon have a country like Iran with the ability to strike around the world, possibly with nukes?
All the more reason to negotiate with them rather than taking the military option. Unless you want even more of the Arab world to hate the US (or the nebulous concept of 'The West').
Re: Iran sends Satellite into space, USA complains
format_quote Originally Posted by Muezzin
Look, the White House (not only the EU) has to negotiate with Iran
Why? Why isnt EU enough? What other countries are needed for serious diplomacy? Japan or China, Brazil, maybe Uruguay? Or are we just fixated with the USA? EU was enough for Libya, why not for Iran? USA certainly is playing ball with the EU how the hole Libya thing is going. EU has offered alot to Iran, even Russia has tried to help with the compromise.
But no, we need serious diplomacy and only with USA, if not, Iran that gets to trade with most of the world is excluded and tends to get angry at the world.
Also, Iran is already under sanctions - there's not much more that can be done to stop its acquirement of nuclear weapons, short of bombing it into the stone age. Which I hope does not become a staple of the Obama Administration.
Iran is under sanctions mostly by USA. EU hasnt imposed any real sanctions even by now. Most trade between EU and Iran goes as it always did, not to mention all the other countries in the world, like China and Japan that too trade with Iran.
All the more reason to negotiate with them rather than taking the military option. Unless you want even more of the Arab world to hate the US (or the nebulous concept of 'The West').
When the choices are between we (the nebulous concept) are hated alot with nuclear Iran and we are hated somewhat more than alot and no nuclear Iran, I can see which one to pick.
Last edited by Suomipoika; 02-05-2009 at 04:33 PM.
Re: Iran sends Satellite into space, USA complains
format_quote Originally Posted by Suomipoika
Why? Why isnt EU enough?
Don't ask me. Ask the Iranian government.
What other countries are needed for serious diplomacy? Japan or China, Brazil, maybe Uruguay? Or are we just fixated with the USA?
Leave strawmen in the field.
EU was enough for Libya, why not Iran? USA certainly is playing ball with the EU how the hole Libya thing is going. EU has offered alot to Iran, even Russia has tried to help with the compromise.
That's good. But the real issue here is that the USA, in particular, does not want Iran to acquire nuclear weapons. Given the USA's standing, it would be prudent for it to negotiate.
But no, we need serious diplomacy and only with USA
I did not say 'Only with the USA'. Please calm down.
if not, Iran that gets to trade with most of the world is excluded and tends to get angry at the world.
Excluded from talks with the USA, who tend to have the biggest problem with Iran, but for the past eight years have failed to seriously negotiate with it.
And lo and behold, Iran starts 'acting up'. Just like North Korea did.
Iran is under sanctions mostly by USA. EU hasnt imposed any real sanctions even by now. Most trade between EU and Iran goes as it always did, not to mention all the other countries in the world, like China and Japan that too trade with Iran.
Well, Iran sees Israel and the USA as 'problems'. It won't listen to Israel - it might well listen to the US.
When the choices are between we (the nebulous concept) are hated alot with nuclear Iran and we are hated somewhat more than alot and no nuclear Iran, I can see which one to pick.
'No Nuclear Iran' equals 'Bombing Iran into the stone age'. And 'Hated somewhat more than alot' equals 'the creation of hundreds of new terrorists'.
Re: Iran sends Satellite into space, USA complains
format_quote Originally Posted by Muezzin
Don't ask me. Ask the Iranian government.
You are the one that is saying that Iran is excluded and that we need the White House to prevent this exclusion and their acting out. In my mind Iran isnt excluded and they are just acting like idiots from a dictatorial country act and at some point enough is enough. EU has pampered Iran like little persian princess for years now, we dont need to suffer tempertantrums eternally. Especially when they play with something like nuclear weapons.
That's good. But the real issue here is that the USA, in particular, does not want Iran to acquire nuclear weapons. Given the USA's standing, it would be prudent for it to negotiate.
EU isnt exactly thrilled about nuclear armed Iran either, thats why we have been working really hard to get diplomatic solution.
I did not say 'Only with the USA'. Please calm down.
Well, when years of diplomatic work from EUs part, starting from before even Bush was elected to work out problems between Iran and the "west" isnt considered serious diplomacy and only thing that seems to change exclusion to inclusion is USA then what should I think?
Excluded from talks with the USA, who tend to have the biggest problem with Iran, but for the past eight years have failed to seriously negotiate with it.
And the eight years before that, and four and another eight years before that. Bush is convenient excuse for everything.
Well, Iran sees Israel and the USA as 'problems'. It won't listen to Israel - it might well listen to the US.
Seeing USA and Israel as problems doesnt equal to exclusion and broad sanctions.
'No Nuclear Iran' equals 'Bombing Iran into the stone age'. And 'Hated somewhat more than alot' equals 'the creation of hundreds of new terrorists'.
Somehow I doubt that people are going to run out of righteous excuses why to kill innocents from New York to London to Mumbai. If its not bombing of Iran, it will be something else.
It would be great if Obama can succeed diplomatically in what EU has failed over the years, but somehow I feel that the Iranians were never really serious. And if it doesnt work, I hope he is ready to prevent Iran from getting nukes by using military power.
Re: Iran sends Satellite into space, USA complains
format_quote Originally Posted by Suomipoika
You are the one that is saying that Iran is excluded and that we need the White House to prevent this exclusion and their acting out. In my mind Iran isnt excluded and they are just acting like idiots from a dictatorial country act and at some point enough is enough. EU has pampered Iran like little persian princess for years now, we dont need to suffer tempertantrums eternally. Especially when they play with something like nuclear weapons.
Iran's (present) quarrel is with the US and Israel.
EU isnt exactly thrilled about nuclear armed Iran either, thats why we have been working really hard to get diplomatic solution.
I appreciate that. Unfortunately, Iran's quarrel seems not to be with the EU, but with the US.
Well, when years of diplomatic work from EUs part, starting from before even Bush was elected to work out problems between Iran and the "west" isnt considered serious diplomacy and only thing that seems to change exclusion to inclusion is USA then what should I think?
I should have been clearer - the US (not the EU) has excluded Iran from serious diplomatic discourse. From Iran's point of view, the US is part of the problem. So it would be good if both sides, the US and Iran seriously negotiate these matters.
At present, the US has not taken diplomacy with Iran seriously, and Iran has been thumbing its nose at all people who suggest it. Obviously, these attitudes must change if war is to be avoided.
And the eight years before that, and four and another eight years before that. Bush is convenient excuse for everything.
Well, diplomacy from the US and NATO can change things.
Seeing USA and Israel as problems doesnt equal to exclusion and broad sanctions.
It can and should lead to negotiation.
Somehow I doubt that people are going to run out of righteous excuses why to kill innocents from New York to London to Mumbai. If its not bombing of Iran, it will be something else.
Then I'm glad it's not your decision to make.
It would be great if Obama can succeed diplomatically in what EU has failed over the years, but somehow I feel that the Iranians were never really serious. And if it doesnt work, I hope he is ready to prevent Iran from getting nukes by using military power.
Re: Iran sends Satellite into space, USA complains
format_quote Originally Posted by Muezzin
I should have been clearer - the US (not the EU) has excluded Iran from serious diplomatic discourse. From Iran's point of view, the US is part of the problem. So it would be good if both sides, the US and Iran seriously negotiate these matters.
At present, the US has not taken diplomacy with Iran seriously, and Iran has been thumbing its nose at all people who suggest it. Obviously, these attitudes must change if war is to be avoided.
Personally I think the exclusion by USA which causes anger in a nation of millions has very little to do with why Iran wants nuclear weapons but rather that the rest of the world, Russia, many European countries, USA and various Arab nations helped Iraq and their WMD programs during one little war in the 80's and the world hardly cared when Iranians were sprayed with who knows what or when Pakistan got nukes among the first things they did was to flash the nuclear card at Iran when Iran was particularly upset about the killing of some diplomats by Taleban. I dont really believe Israel and USA are the only problems Iran has.
I cant think of anything extraordinary that USA can bring to the negotation table that EU already hasnt, Iran has been offered very favourable trade deals and even the ability to get rid of their nuclear waste by Russia taking care of it.
I think they really want nukes, and part of me cant blame them. At the same time, their statements about Israel and support for terrorism isnt really something I want to see backed by nuclear weapons. I consider the death of possibly millions as quite a gamble, which is why I find it ridiculous when people so eagerly criticise USA over this matter. As far as I know, not even Arab nations are so happy with nuclear armed Iran.
Re: Iran sends Satellite into space, USA complains
format_quote Originally Posted by Suomipoika
Personally I think the exclusion by USA which causes anger in a nation of millions has very little to do with why Iran wants nuclear weapons but rather that the rest of the world, Russia, many European countries, USA and various Arab nations helped Iraq and their WMD programs during one little war in the 80's and the world hardly cared when Iranians were sprayed with who knows what or when Pakistan got nukes among the first things they did was to flash the nuclear card at Iran when Iran was particularly upset about the killing of some diplomats by Taleban. I dont really believe Israel and USA are the only problems Iran has.
I cant think of anything extraordinary that USA can bring to the negotation table that EU already hasnt, Iran has been offered very favourable trade deals and even the ability to get rid of their nuclear waste by Russia taking care of it.
I think they really want nukes, and part of me cant blame them. At the same time, their statements about Israel and support for terrorism isnt really something I want to see backed by nuclear weapons. I consider the death of possibly millions as quite a gamble, which is why I find it ridiculous when people so eagerly criticise USA over this matter. As far as I know, not even Arab nations are so happy with nuclear armed Iran.
USA goverment isnt concerned about millions of people dying, USA goverment is concerned about its power trip being ended in the mid-east, Iran with nukes means a new big boy in town, and it will lead to Arabs making nukes which means more big boys in town and leaves USA and Israel with less flexibility to use their muscle, as they say money talks, in this case its nukes, nukes talk, nukes mean power and influence, nukes mean you wont get pushed over and will get what you want most times.
also who are you kidding? this is the same goverment that said they will OBLITERATE Iran, which means killing up to 60 million people, so who you trying to kid in saying this American goverment cares about millions of people dying? seriously WHO ARE YOU TRYING TO KID? lol lol the same goverment who threatens to obliterate a country of 60 million is the same goverment that supposedly cares for millions of ppl?
as i said, USA doesnt care about the death count, its all about losing the power grip.
Re: Iran sends Satellite into space, USA complains
As an american, I don't get anything my government does. I think that it is Iran's right, they have crazy leaders, what country doesn't? I think that if our government worked with Iran and didn't boss them around, they'd be our ally. If our government actually worked with them, they'd quickly find that they are alot like america in many ways; but a more conservative version.
Certainly Iran isn't the country the United States government paints it to be, it's I have friends who spend most of their life there. the biggest difference is the main religion of the countries, so in a sense, the reason the US government won't work with them and wants to prevent their developement has everything to do with what happened in 1979. It's not right.
Re: Iran sends Satellite into space, USA complains
format_quote Originally Posted by matt2008
As an american, I don't get anything my government does. I think that it is Iran's right, they have crazy leaders, what country doesn't? I think that if our government worked with Iran and didn't boss them around, they'd be our ally. If our government actually worked with them, they'd quickly find that they are alot like america in many ways; but a more conservative version.
Certainly Iran isn't the country the United States government paints it to be, it's I have friends who spend most of their life there. the biggest difference is the main religion of the countries, so in a sense, the reason the US government won't work with them and wants to prevent their developement has everything to do with what happened in 1979. It's not right.
It's a little more complicated than that. In terms of recent developments, the government of Iran was involved in supplying IED devices to Iraqi insurgent groups. They have made threats against Israel, who actually is an ally of the United States. These issues make it very difficult, if not absurd, to have friendly diplomatic relations at this point.
"Imagination was given to man to compensate him for what he is not, and a sense of humor was provided to console him for what he is."
Re: Iran sends Satellite into space, USA complains
well on topic ,I must say Iran achieved something.well done.period.
and it will be 3 years this coming March since the Israelis said they can do another Osirak on Iran.But you never know what can happen.
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