Iranian scientists prepare for a new stage of the space program, with only weeks remaining before the country's first satellite launch.
Iran first announced plans to carry out a domestic satellite launch in September 2007 after testing its first domestically-produced satellite carrier, Safir 1.
At that time, the Head of the Iranian Aerospace Organization, Reza Taqipour, told Press TV that the launch of the Safir 1 was the first step toward sending the Iranian-made telecommunications satellite, Omid (Hope) into orbit.
In recent comments, however, Taqipour pointed to a more accurate deadline, announcing that Omid is just weeks away from launch.
"The satellite will be launched into space by the end of the year [the Iranian calendar year that ends on March 20], that is if no complications or changes in schedule occur," Taqipour told ISNA.
Omid is a research satellite that has been designed for gathering information and testing 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.
Source: Payvand