Iran says it has successfully test-launched a rocket capable of carrying a domestically-built satellite into space.
Officials on Sunday corrected earlier reports by
Iranian media that said the country's first domestic satellite had been
sent into orbit. Instead, officials say Sunday's launch sent the
satellite-carrier rocket known as the "Safir" (or Ambassador) into orbit from Iran's space station.
The Fars news agency says Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
attended the launch. State television broadcast video of the rocket
heading into space.
Iran first tested a rocket it said was capable of delivering a
satellite into space in February. The country has been pursuing a space
program for several years. It says it wants its own satellites for
research and telecommunications.
The United States has expressed concern about Iran's rocket launches
while pressing its accusation that Tehran is trying to develop nuclear
weapons. Iran says both its space program and nuclear program are
peaceful.