Iran unveils first major space centre

[Praxius]

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080204/iran_rocket_080204/20080204?hub=World

TEHRAN, Iran -- Iran reportedly launched a research rocket Monday and unveiled its first major space centre, which it says will be used to launch research satellites.

The country's state-run television reports the rocket is the first Iran has launched `into space.'

The report showed live images of the event at the space centre, with President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad issuing the launch order.

But it did not specify the altitude reached by the rocket. Space is considered to begin at 100 kilometres above ground.

Before the launch, Ahmadinejad opened the space centre, which, according to the television report, includes an underground control station and space launch pad.

Some Western experts have suggested Iran's space program could be a cover to develop its ballistic missiles, at a time when the U.S. and others are accusing Tehran of trying to develop nuclear weapons.

 

[karrie]

Is it a surprise that western experts are suspicious it's a cover for something? Goodness knows a middle eastern country wouldn't just want to reach technological par.

 

[Praxius]

That's kinda what I was thinking. No matter what Iran does, it's always gotta be for the distruction of something, as some other nations like to make it out to be.

With the Space program, the nuclear energy, and everything else they have been trying to do over the years, all seems to prove they're just trying to get their country to a better quality of living.

 

[EastSideScotian]

Indeed, we should invade them now before they have a better quality of life than ours.

 

[Praxius]

lol... it does seem that way.