Vahidi said the Islamic republic would also put into space around the same time another satellite, the Rasad 1 (Observation), whose launch was originally scheduled for August 2010.

Iran is "building different satellites and by end of the (Iranian) year (March 2011), the Fajr and Rasad satellites will be launched into space," the minister was quoted as saying.

The news agency reported that Fajr (Dawn) was a "reconnaissance satellite" that would operate on solar energy.

"These satellites are different from the previous models. They have better fuel systems and can stay in space for a longer time," Vahidi said.

Vahidi said he expected Rasad 1 to be delivered to the communication ministry and launched during the 32nd anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution which falls on February 11, 2011.

In February 2009, Iran launched its first home-built satellite, the Omid (Hope).

Share This Article With Planet Earth

del.icio.us	Digg	Reddit
YahooMyWeb	Google	Facebook

Related Links
Military Space News at SpaceWar.com

U.S. may cut Israel missile shield funds First European Missile Successfully Carries Out Ballistic Intercept Poland asked US about missile shield uses: WikiLeaks First MEADS Battle Manager Ready For System Tests France to sell HOT missile to Lebanon India tests two nuclear-capable missiles Pakistan test fires nuclear-capable missile Western Military District Gets First Iskander Tactical Missile System AeroVironment Receives Order For Raven UAS And Digital Retrofit Kits US missile salvo kills 15 in Pakistan: officials Obama's other 'surge': US drone war in Pakistan Critical Global Hawk Sensor Delivered To USAF IBCS Completes Warfighter-Centered Design Exercises Arianespace Will Orbit Sicral 2 Milcomms Satellites Codan Receives JITC Certification For 2110 HF Manpack Northrop Grumman Bids for Marine Corps Common Aviation CnC Argentina military grapples with old stuff Radiant Mercury System Certified Ultra Fast Camera Enhances Understanding Of High Explosive Detonation U.S. Navy sonar system up for BAE upgrade U.S. dominates Middle East arms market Israel still eyeing free F-35s Albanian PM cited as key arms dealer during Kosovo war US catches up with allies by lifting military gay ban S.Korea and China military chiefs to hold talks in Beijing China slams Japan's 'irresponsible' policy India-China border tensions belie leaders' warm words Obama to welcome China's Hu Jintao January 19 Navy test fires electromagnetic cannon Joint High Power Solid State Laser Keeps Lasing And Lasing Boeing Installing Beam Control System On HEL Laser Demonstrator Maritime Laser System Shows Higher Lethality At Longer Ranges