TEHRAN/VIENNA: Iran will launch next week an experimental observation satellite, on the day of talks with world powers over its controversial nuclear program, the official IRNA news agency reported yesterday. "The Fajr satellite will be launched on Khordad 3 (May 23)," the director of the Aerospace Industries Mehdi Farahi was quoted as telling.
It will be the fourth satellite sent into space since 2009 by Iran, whose space program has attracted the concern of international community which is suspecting Tehran is seeking to develop long-range ballistic missiles capable of carrying conventional warheads or nuclear ones.
This is the first time that the Islamic republic has announced in advance a date for the launch of a satellite. Previous launches were reported after the operations were successfully undertaken.
On May 23 Iran opens talks with world powers in Baghdad over Tehran's disputed nuclear program which has been denounced by several members of the UN Security Council. The Security Council has imposed on Iran an almost total embargo on nuclear and space technologies since 2007.
Part of the international community, namely the West, suspects Iran, despite its denials, of seeking to develop nuclear weapons with the ultimate goal to be able to equip its missiles. Iran's previous satellite launches triggered condemnation from the West who accused Tehran of "provocation."
The Fajr (Dawn) satellite was presented by the Iranian officials as "an observation and measurement" satellite weighing 50 kg, built by Sa-Iran, a company affiliated to the Defense Ministry.
Meanwhile, the UN nuclear watchdog signaled yesterday it would press Iran for access to a military facility where it suspects the Islamic state has built a chamber for high-explosive tests that could serve a bid to develop nuclear weapons.
Iran, which rejects Western accusations it seeks atomic arms, has so far resisted requests by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to visit the extensive Parchin complex southeast of Tehran. The issue was expected to be raised during a high-level May 14-15 Vienna meeting between Iran and the IAEA.
Tehran to launch satellite on key nuclear talks day
