Iran's Second Satellite Launch

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Iran ’s Second Satellite Launch Pending

Senior Technical Analyst

10-12-09

Iran has missed it publicly stated State Planned summer 2009 satellite launch schedule to no surprise. Russia Federal space agency has also refused to cooperate further on space issues with Iran. For two weeks now Iranian TV has been displaying patriotic satellite launch video tapes programs and news program as a public build up to the expected announcement of the next launch.

Safir-1, 2 Iranian Launch Vehicle

Iran is now in the final stages of preparing the Safir two stage booster to launch the 60 kilogram (132 Pound) cube shaped Mesbah [Lantern] satellite from the Semnan Range south east of Semnan Iran. Iran's Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Reza Taqipour, stated that "the semi-domestic telecommunications satellite is ready for launch." He went on to state that "The Mesbah satellite had successfully completed pre-launch tests and is now ready for take-off." For further information on the Mesbah satellite see: http://www.globalsecurity.org/space/world/iran/multi.htm

Starting in February 2003 both Iran and Italy cooperated in developing the Mesbah communications satellite. It first attempted launch failed in 2005 according to Taqipour because "they lacked the self-sufficiency in aerospace technology" It will not be launch from the Iran launch center on an Iranian launch vehicle. Iran successfully orbited its Omid data processing satellite on February 2, 2009. In 2005 Iran's first satellite the Sina-1 with its telecommunications and photographic equipment was launched by Russia. Subsequently a satellite developed by Iran China and Thailand was orbited.

Iran is ahead in some respect to North Korea missile technology wise but has not fully taken on the more difficult Unha-2/Taep'o-dong-2 booster testing leaving it to North Korea to perfect with their cooperation even though they have the propulsion systems. Iran's solid propellant programs as well as the Shahab-6/Unga-2/Taep'o-dong-2 program are all delayed by technological issues.

Thank You.

I need to thank John Locker of the UK for providing the heads up on the Iranian TV programming activities as well as Nicholas Badenhorst of SA for the heads up on the press notification on the pending launch.

References:

1. Iranian Scientists Brace for Another Spaceshot, IG Moderator, Iran Defense.net, Oct 12, 2009, p. 1-2, http://www.irandefence.net/showthread.php?p=793672#post793672

2. Tehran Times, Iranian Scientists Brace for Another Spaceshot, Oct. 13, 2009, P. 1-2.