Iranians in Space ?

[Smurf-Herder]

I'm telling you guys, these are all ICBM technology and systems tests.

Iran to send satellite to space by March 20

TEHRAN, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Space Agency (ISA) announced that the first domestically-built satellite of Iran called "Omid" (Hope) would be sent to the space by March 20, the semi-official Fars news agency reported on Tuesday.

"If no problem hinders the process, the all-Iranian-made satellite will join the orbit by the end of the current Iranian year (ending on March 20)," ISA President Reza Taqipour said, adding that "Technical experts are trying to finalize the project according to the schedule."

In November, Iran successfully launched a space rocket "Kavosh 2" (Explorer 2), which after completing its mission, has returned to the earth.

The experiment was done within the framework of the country's "strategic space program" and "preparation for scientific and technological developments in the space" by the Iranian experts ofAir-Space Research Center, according to the website of Iran's state TV IRIB.

Iran launched a home-made satellite-carrier rocket named Safir (Messenger) in August last year, arousing Western governments' concerns over its purpose that Iran is developing long-range ballistic missile technology which can be used to launch nuclear weapons.

Safir was Iran's first domestically made satellite carrier, which was capable of putting lightweight satellites into low earth orbit.

The launch of Safir rocket is aimed to test remote sensing, satellite telemetry, and geographic information system technology as well as remote and ground station data processing, according to Iran's satellite channel Press TV.

Iranian officials have said Iran has plans to put a "series of satellites" into space by 2010 to aid natural disaster management programs and improve telecommunications.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-01/27/content_10727269.htm

"Yes they can!"

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/ffximage/2008/08/18/470rocket,0.jpg
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/ffximage/2008/08/18/470rocket,0.jpg

[Smurf-Herder]

If Iran got help from AQ Kahn, they have the Pakistani designs on building a nuke to fit a warhead. All they have to do is build longer and longer range rockets. You put a satellite up, you can hit anything on the planet.

Our first satellites were launched on ICBM boosters. Same technology.

And if they're working closely with North Korea, they've got their test data to work with; with which North Korea bases their weapons' reliability.

[Smurf-Herder]

I just found this, from this past September:

Iran's satellite booster likely to have ICBM capability

WASHINGTON, Sept. 29 (UPI) -- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad announced last week in New York that his Islamic Republic is planning yet another "satellite launch" using a new, unnamed booster rocket.

According to the Iranian Web site Payvand.com, Ahmadinejad boasted that the new space vehicle will have 16 motors and will boost a satellite 420 miles into space.

The forthcoming launch will be the third one this year, after an "experimental" -- and apparently unsuccessful -- launch on Aug. 17. According to Iranian sources, the missile was the Safir-e-Omid-1 -- "Ambassador of Hope" -- satellite launcher that did not carry a real satellite.

Then, the Iranian media provided a brief report on the launch and one television channel broadcast a clip of the nighttime launch. There were no official statements similar to those that accompanied previous launches. According to Western intelligence sources, Safir-1 may be a spinoff of Shahab-3, a well-known Iranian intermediate-range ballistic missile.

On Feb. 5, on the 29th anniversary of the Iranian Revolution, Ahmadinejad ordered the launch of a ballistic rocket Kavoshgar-1 -- Explorer-1 -- described as a "space-launch vehicle." The single-stage rocket was launched from a new and secret space center in northern Iran that was inaugurated that day.

Ahmadinejad did the countdown, and the officials present shouted "Allahu Akbar" -- God is Great. The Iranian authorities claim the launch of the rocket was a test for a future launch of the first Iranian-built satellite, the Omid -- "Hope." Iran's news agency reported the launch of the satellite would take place by March 2009, when the next Iranian year will end.

Iranian Defense Minister Mostafa Mohammad Najjar announced in February that the Omid satellite might be launched by May or June, but this was not to be. Iran's first satellite, the Sinah-1, was built and launched in Russia in October 2005.

Iran vehemently maintains that the test launches for the satellite program are of a purely civilian nature. However, experts voice two concerns regarding the Iranian missile program.

First is that the Explorer-1 is a space-launch vehicle version of a new ballistic missile that was tested last November, with an estimated range of 1,200 miles. It is probable that this new missile is none other than the Shahab 4, which is likely based on technology transfer by Russia. This is the single-stage Soviet SS-4 intermediate-range ballistic missile, which was deployed in Cuba during the Missile Crisis of 1962. Coincidentally, it also used to have a space-launch version.

Secondly, this may be the initial testing of a new ballistic missile that may be of a combined Russian and North Korean pedigree. There were previous reports that Iran was developing a new ballistic missile with a range of 2,400 to 3,600 miles, which would keep Europe in its sights.

According to Jane's Defense Weekly, such missiles would be capable of serving as space-launch vehicles and may be identified as either the Shahab 5 or Shahab 6. The British Daily Telegraph reported that former high-ranking members of the Russian military facilitated a multimillion-dollar 2003 missile technology transfer agreement between Iran and North Korea.

According to the newspaper, Russia has exported to Iran "production facilities, diagrams and operating instruction so the missile can be built in Iran, as well as liquid propellant (to fuel the rockets). Russian specialists have also been sent to Iran to help development of its Shahab 5 missile project."

Transporter erector launcher technology developed by the North Koreans for their latest Taepo-dong 2 ballistic missile was being sent to Iran. The Telegraph mentioned that the new ballistic missile that Iran was developing with the North Koreans and Russians has a range of 2,100 miles and a payload of 1.2 tons. Such a range would enable the missile to reach large portions of Europe, including Berlin, Rome, Paris and all of Central Europe. The payload would enable the missile to carry a nuclear warhead. This missile could have a space-launch capability as well.

Finally, the new space rocket might be linked to the 2,400-mile range ballistic missile Iran is developing, because it has been suggested that the rocket engine of the Shahab 4 could be that of the Soviet SS-5 intermediate-range ballistic missile. The SS-5 had a maximum range of 2,700 miles and was also a single-stage missile fueled by liquid propellant. It also had a space-launch version.

At this point, it looks like Iran is developing two space launch vehicles -- one an enhanced IRBM, and the other a nascent ICBM.

http://www.upi.com/Security_Industry/2008/09/29/Irans_satellite_booster_likely_to_have_ICBM_capabi lity/UPI-95421222701978/

[Smurf-Herder]

Iran's satellite spells potential ICBM threat, experts say

WASHINGTON, Feb 3 (AFP) Feb 04, 2009

Iran's launch of a domestically-made satellite into orbit demonstrates Tehran has moved one step closer to eventually building long-range nuclear missiles that could reach Europe or the United States, experts said on Tuesday.

The ability to send a satellite into space -- combined with Tehran's disputed nuclear program and uranium enrichment -- raises the threat that Iran could ultimately have an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) arsenal, US officials and experts say.

"In the case of Iran, one of the biggest concerns we've always had is that any country that can put a satellite into orbit has thereby demonstrated that they can send a nuclear weapon to intercontinental distances," said Rick Lehner, a spokesman of the US Missile Defense Agency.

Iranian leaders portrayed the launch of the Omid (Hope) satellite on Monday as a technological milestone and a symbol of national pride, but the move reinforced concerns in Western capitals about Tehran's nuclear ambitions.

It also may have had the unintended effect of bolstering arguments for a missile defense system in Europe, even amid signs US President Barack Obama might delay the program to ease tensions with Russia.

US advocates for missile defense have long cited Tehran as the source of a possible threat against Europe, said Patrick Clawson of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin "has ridiculed US statements about how Iran could at some point have a system that could reach Europe and suggested that this is nonsense," Clawson said.

With Iran ignoring demands to freeze sensitive nuclear work, the satellite launch was also sure to complicate US and European diplomacy with Tehran as a new American president tries to defuse tensions and open a possible dialogue.

Tehran's apparently successful launch was particularly impressive given the strict international sanctions imposed on Iran, including restrictions on missile-related technology, experts said.

"In the face of world opposition and sanctions, Iran has joined a very exclusive club: those countries that have managed to orbit a satellite," Geoffrey Forden, research associate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, wrote on armscontrolwonk.com.

Based on data released by the US space agency NASA and reports from amateur observers, Forden said it appeared the satellite was successfully sent into a relatively low orbit.

But it remained unclear if Iran had used a three-stage rocket with technology associated with Soviet-era Scud missiles, or had made a "quantum leap" with a much more powerful two-stage rocket, he said.

"If it was a two-stage missile then they had a huge jump in technology and that would be very scary," Forden told AFP.

The sophisticated two-stage rocket "would certainly advance the possibility of an ICBM much more than we've been thinking about until now."

He said there were indications from amateur observers of the launch that the Iranians had used a two-stage rocket, but it was too soon to reach any conclusions.

However one US official who works in national security played down the significance of the Omid satellite.

"It's certainly something to keep an eye on but it's not ringing any alarm bells," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

"Satellite technology is not new, and there are different levels of sophistication and I wouldn't put this in the category of advanced satellite technology at all," the official said.

For Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad --- who has vowed to expand his country's scientific development -- the satellite carried a message of "peace and brotherhood" to the world and he dismissed suggestions the space project had a military objective.

http://www.spacedaily.com/2006/090203233735.5v3aaqjh.html

[SeedyROM]

That rocket could carry a large nuke or dirty bomb payload. If they really intend on sending up a satellite then perhaps they won't mind UN inspections. No doubt they'll say no. We'll get a look at what they launch using our spy satellites. Too bad Obama wants to ban space weapons. What if Iran sent up one nuke in a so called satellite launch? By the time it came back down it may be too late to shoot it down. I'm sure Obama is aware that Iran could start its own mini star wars program for later use.

[Hog Trash]

That rocket could carry a large nuke or dirty bomb payload. If they really intend on sending up a satellite then perhaps they won't mind UN inspections. No doubt they'll say no. We'll get a look at what they launch using our spy satellites. Too bad Obama wants to ban space weapons. What if Iran sent up one nuke in a so called satellite launch? By the time it came back down it may be too late to shoot it down. I'm sure Obama is aware that Iran could start its own mini star wars program for later use.Iran has openly announced and displayed their desire and intentions to destroy Israel and America.

The only rational conclusion we can make is that the only reason they have not yet done so is because they do not yet have the technology.

If we conclude that they will soon have a nuclear devise and a means to deliver it would America/Israel be justified in a first strike as a self defense strategy against an emminent Iranian attack?

Should we first give them an ultimatum to withdraw their threats and renounce their desire to destroy us and openly display a desire to coexist with America and Israel in peace?

[ROdger Right]

Ob wont stand up to iran because all he wants to do is talk. That land is to far gone for the dumb carrot and stick trick.

[SeedyROM]

Iran has openly announced and displayed their desire and intentions to destroy Israel and America.

The only rational conclusion we can make is that the only reason they have not yet done so is because they do not yet have the technology.

If we conclude that they will soon have a nuclear devise and a means to deliver it would America/Israel be justified in a first strike as a self defense strategy against an emminent Iranian attack?

Should we first give them an ultimatum to withdraw their threats and renounce their desire to destroy us and openly display a desire to coexist with America and Israel in peace?
We've already given them ultimatums to stop the weapons production. Maybe an ultimatum to withdraw thier threats would work after we circle the country with troops from the Iraq border and ships near the Strait of Hormuz. They know we don't bluff. They Israel means business.

Israel will go in without us which is fine with me, they've proven they can handle themselves with an effective air strike campaign. I beleive Ahmadinejad wants an attack just to turn the world against us or Israel. Ahmadinejad wants to be the victim to show muslims world wide that we are monsters and muslims are the righteous victims being picked on by the big bully.

[Smurf-Herder]

Iranian Missiles Have "Worldwide Reach," Russian Space Official Says

Friday, Feb. 6, 2009

Iran's use of an indigenously developed rocket to place a satellite in orbit this week proves that the nation's missiles are capable of hitting any location on Earth, the head of a major Russian space company said yesterday (see GSN, Feb. 4).

"I take my hat off to the Iranian scientists. ... They have shown their missiles can reach any point on the globe," Interfax quoted RKK Energia head Vitali Lapota as saying.

U.S. analysts have expressed concern that Iran could use the Safir 2 rocket technology to build long-range ballistic missiles it might eventually arm with nuclear warheads.

http://www.globalsecuritynewswire.org/gsn/nw_20090206_5949.php

[Smurf-Herder]

That rocket could carry a large nuke or dirty bomb payload. If they really intend on sending up a satellite then perhaps they won't mind UN inspections. No doubt they'll say no. We'll get a look at what they launch using our spy satellites. Too bad Obama wants to ban space weapons. What if Iran sent up one nuke in a so called satellite launch? By the time it came back down it may be too late to shoot it down. I'm sure Obama is aware that Iran could start its own mini star wars program for later use.

Seedy, it wouldn't even have to come down.

All they have to do is set off a big enough nuke 200 miles in orbit over Kansas. An EMP would black out the US power grid for at least a year; destroying computers and cutting off all power and communications.

[SeedyROM]

Iran has openly announced and displayed their desire and intentions to destroy Israel and America.

The only rational conclusion we can make is that the only reason they have not yet done so is because they do not yet have the technology.

If we conclude that they will soon have a nuclear devise and a means to deliver it would America/Israel be justified in a first strike as a self defense strategy against an emminent Iranian attack?

Should we first give them an ultimatum to withdraw their threats and renounce their desire to destroy us and openly display a desire to coexist with America and Israel in peace?

Iran will never get the nuke program off the ground. Israel will go in without the USA. I don't think the Jews will wait on the Marxist fool who is too busy gladhanding the rich, the far-left and all those terrorists who are more important than 305 million Americans.

[SeedyROM]

Seedy, it wouldn't even have to come down.

All they have to do is set off a big enough nuke 200 miles in orbit over Kansas. An EMP would black out the US power grid for at least a year; destroying computers and cutting off all power and communications.

Yep that's true, they could wipe out the grid and erase computer drives. That satellite is under scrutiny 24/7. We also have to consider its spy capabilities event though Iran is no threat to us.

[Smurf-Herder]

The success itself counters the Russian argument, that Iran doesn't have missile capabilities warranting a defense against.

Not to mention, all missile-related activity (as well as arms sales and purchases) is prohibited by Iran under UN sanctions.

[SeedyROM]

Iran is smoking hole waiting to happen. If they continue to refuse to talk and refuse UN inspections they Jews will take them out. Obama is not going to be trusted by Israel, not with all his childish mistakes thus far.

[foxbaron]

I can't understand why Israel has waited so long?

I can't understand why we have waited so long?

Why the hell don't we just put a missle thru Amadoodoo's window and the Ayatolla's window around 3AM and then Iran can elect new leaders.

Kill two assholes and start over. We can always send missles there on as needed basis without having to kill a bunch of innocent folks. We have the technology, let's use it.

Why do people refuse to believe what these guys say? Let's take them at their word. If they are dumb enough to play poker like Saddam did then they should join him.

[SeedyROM]

Fox, let them give diplomacy a try, then comes tough talks and possible embargos & blockades of food, fuel from Dubia/Qatar and medicine. Israel could attack any day, we are negociating with them. Eventually someone will act. Iran wants to be beaten up so the nation can claim they are all
martyrs to the imperialist west.

[Smurf-Herder]

I can't understand why Israel has waited so long?

I can't understand why we have waited so long?

Why the hell don't we just put a missle thru Amadoodoo's window and the Ayatolla's window around 3AM and then Iran can elect new leaders.

Kill two assholes and start over. We can always send missles there on as needed basis without having to kill a bunch of innocent folks. We have the technology, let's use it.

Why do people refuse to believe what these guys say? Let's take them at their word. If they are dumb enough to play poker like Saddam did then they should join him.

Just remember, when somebody does decide to hit Iran, the retaliation could be potentially devastating - even without Iran having nukes:

Hezbollah has 40,000 rockets in Lebanon. Some with a range capable of hitting Dimona; with the new Zelzal-2s from Iran having a 1200 lb. warhead.

Syria has hundreds of missiles that can reach all of Israel, with one of the world's largest stockpiles of CW.

Iran has over 600 missiles that can reach every single oil terminal and sea platform in the region, and every military base from Egypt to Afghanistan; with over 100 missiles that can reach US naval and air bases in Italy. With a joint missile command set up in 2007, Iran has deployed an unknown number of missiles in Syria and Sudan, with plans of a cruise missile base in Tunisia. Effectively extending their reach and number of dispersed launch points. And their newest missile giving them them the ability to target all of Europe.

Iranian Silkworm and supersonic Sunburn anti-ship sea-skimming cruise missiles with up to a 400 mile range, capable of taking out our 5th Fleet in port at Bahrain.

And that doesn't even take in the potential of Iranian ground forces just across the border with Iraq. Over 4000 tanks, 14000 artillery pieces and up to 800,000 troops; training for the past couple years for rapid deployment.

It's not as simple as taking out Iran's nuclear facilities. Handling the aftermath is the real problem. They'll jump on the initial attack as the justification for an all-out war against Israel, the US and all the Sunni Arab governments. Planes and missiles would be flying everywhere, with all traffic through the Gulf comming to a halt; and oil probably topping $200+ a barrel.

Nobody wants to bring that about, if at all possible.

[Hog Trash]

There's going to be a lot of dead muslims.....It could all be avoided so easily.

If only the peaceful muslims would expose and denounce the jihad terrorist in their ranks.

Oh well...If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem, and will share in the suffering.

The world can not and should not tolerate these murdering savages of innocent men, women and children.

"I fear all we have done is awakened a sleeping giant, and left him with a terrible resolve".....Fleet Commander, Admiral Hoshimoto after bombing Pearl Harbor.

[Smurf-Herder]

The US and the Israelis have been working clandestinely to bring about a Velvet Revolution in Iran over the last few years. Working with people inside the country who want true reform. But The ruling elite are very good at putting down any threat to their power.

Even a war wouldn't neccessarily remove dangerous people from power. The best choice, if possible, IMO would be an overthrow of the ruling class, by their own people, contained inside their own country; without anybody having to attack anybody or go to war.

I'm guessing we still have some time. The way I look at this, Iran has a second secret program (this is what originally started the whole IAEA-sanctions thing), just now acheiving full nuclear-delivery capability. The program they let the world see is the bait. They can time everything by how tempting (threatening) they make the bait. The longer they can draw out the first program, the more they can build the second.

IMO, Iran needs to have the Israelis or US strike as a trigger. But maybe that time gives us more time. That's why Bush stopped the Israeli attack on Iran last year. Who knows if it really has a chance. But everybody hates the alternative. And that could be just what the Iranian leaders actually want.

Iran busts another CIA network

Tehran Times Political Desk


TEHRAN - Iran has broken up a CIA-backed network that sought to carry out a “soft revolution” in Iran through people-to-people contacts.

The “soft revolution” plan is based in Dubai and is similar to a U.S. plan that targeted the Soviet Union in 1959, the director of the counterespionage department of the Intelligence Ministry told reporters at a press conference here on Monday.

He said the CIA was seeking to implement the plan under the cover of scientific and cultural contacts between Iranian and U.S. nationals.

Unfortunately, some Iranian nationals, especially cultural and scientific figures, were deceived through such activities, he added.

“The U.S. intelligence agency was seeking to (repeat) its experiences of color revolutions through such public contacts with influential persons and elites.”

The CIA tried to attain its goals by taking advantage of people-to-people contacts, joint studies, efforts to share scientific experiences, and other similar projects, he added.

The soft revolution plan was carried out through “NGOs, union protests, non-violent demonstrations, civil disobedience… and (efforts to) foment ethnic strife” all across Iran, the official stated.

Four of the people who led the network inside Iran were actively and intentionally cooperating with CIA agents, he noted.

These four persons were put on trial, some others were pardoned, and some others were acquitted due to lack of sufficient evidence, he explained.

These four persons confessed and videotapes of parts of their confessions will be released soon, he noted.

He only named two of the persons, the brothers Dr. Arash Alaei and Dr. Kamyar Alaei.

The Intelligence Ministry official said that $32 million of the $75 million allocated by the U.S. Congress to destabilize Iran was spent on this project.

The CIA used institutions such as the Woodrow Wilson Foundation, the Soros Foundation, AIPAC, and charity organizations and sought the help of William Burns and other people in the United States and agents in the Azerbaijan Republic, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait.

He stated that the CIA enlisted scientists, physicians, university professors, clergymen, artists, athletes, and dress designers for its plot.

He went on to say that these people were invited to the United States in groups of 10-15 people, with visas issued for them in Dubai in the shortest possible time, and according to their professions, they participated in scientific seminars and toured various states, and when they returned home they were asked to write “analyses” of the situation inside Iran.

The CIA was actively seeking to recruit more people for the network, who also would have been invited to visit the United States, he added.

These persons were ordered to put pressure on the government to change its policy and to sow discord between the government and the people, he explained.

The Intelligence Ministry found out about the secret plan from the very beginning and “even allowed the operation to be conducted to a (certain level) so that we could inform talented people with full confidence that they should not be deceived by such scientific centers,” he stated.

The Iranian Intelligence Ministry countered the plot by “infiltrating” the network and even derailed it from its path by providing false information, but the CIA eventually discovered the ruse, he explained.

------ Advice for Obama

The official advised the incoming U.S. administration to avoid repeating the previous “failed” policies toward Iran.

He made the remarks one day before Barack Obama is officially inaugurated as the next U.S. president.

The Intelligence Ministry official said the U.S. is discrediting its scientific and charity organizations by allowing the CIA to use them as cover for its activities.

“It is not in the interests of scientific and political institutions (to allow themselves) to be used by the CIA for its hidden agenda.”

Employing such organizations to conduct spy activities will create skepticism about them that will be very difficult to eliminate, he noted.

http://www.tehrantimes.com/Index_view.asp?code=187277

[Smurf-Herder]

They're apparently testing increased delivery vehicle payload capabilities; and possibly live tests of re-entry vehicles, if they plan on retrieving their satellites.

Iran building four more satellites

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran is building four more satellites, the telecommunications minister was quoted on Sunday as saying, after the Islamic Republic put its first domestically produced satellite into orbit last week.

Iran launched a research and telecom satellite, called Omid, on Tuesday, a step that worried Western powers who fear Tehran is seeking to build a nuclear bomb and missile delivery systems.

Iran insists its nuclear work is to generate electricity and said the satellite launch was for peaceful purposes.

The long-range ballistic technology used to put satellites into orbit could also be used for launching warheads.

"There are now four other satellites being manufactured by Iranian experts," Telecommunications Minister Mohammad Soleimani was quoted by Mehr News Agency as saying, without saying when they might be launched.

"Details about these four satellites will be announced subsequent to their final preparation," he said adding that, following the launch of Omid, Iran "will try to raise the weight and altitude of the satellites to be launched."

He also said Omid, which means Hope in Persian, was performing its mission successfully. State media had earlier said Omid would return to earth with data after orbiting for one to three months.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUKTRE51711B20090208

[Hog Trash]

They're apparently testing increased delivery vehicle payload capabilities; and possibly live tests of re-entry vehicles, if they plan on retrieving their satellites.

Iran building four more satellites

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran is building four more satellites, the telecommunications minister was quoted on Sunday as saying, after the Islamic Republic put its first domestically produced satellite into orbit last week.

Iran launched a research and telecom satellite, called Omid, on Tuesday, a step that worried Western powers who fear Tehran is seeking to build a nuclear bomb and missile delivery systems.

Iran insists its nuclear work is to generate electricity and said the satellite launch was for peaceful purposes.

The long-range ballistic technology used to put satellites into orbit could also be used for launching warheads.

"There are now four other satellites being manufactured by Iranian experts," Telecommunications Minister Mohammad Soleimani was quoted by Mehr News Agency as saying, without saying when they might be launched.

"Details about these four satellites will be announced subsequent to their final preparation," he said adding that, following the launch of Omid, Iran "will try to raise the weight and altitude of the satellites to be launched."

He also said Omid, which means Hope in Persian, was performing its mission successfully. State media had earlier said Omid would return to earth with data after orbiting for one to three months.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUKTRE51711B20090208This would be a great opportunity to test any new or existing missile defense or space based laser weapons that may be in operation. :thumbsup:

[Smurf-Herder]

This would be a great opportunity to test any new or existing missile defense or space based laser weapons that may be in operation. :thumbsup:

We're getting ready to take out North Korea's launch in a month or so ... if it gets too close to anybody.

[SeedyROM]

They're apparently testing increased delivery vehicle payload capabilities; and possibly live tests of re-entry vehicles, if they plan on retrieving their satellites.

Iran building four more satellites

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran is building four more satellites, the telecommunications minister was quoted on Sunday as saying, after the Islamic Republic put its first domestically produced satellite into orbit last week.

Iran launched a research and telecom satellite, called Omid, on Tuesday, a step that worried Western powers who fear Tehran is seeking to build a nuclear bomb and missile delivery systems.

Iran insists its nuclear work is to generate electricity and said the satellite launch was for peaceful purposes.

The long-range ballistic technology used to put satellites into orbit could also be used for launching warheads.

"There are now four other satellites being manufactured by Iranian experts," Telecommunications Minister Mohammad Soleimani was quoted by Mehr News Agency as saying, without saying when they might be launched.

"Details about these four satellites will be announced subsequent to their final preparation," he said adding that, following the launch of Omid, Iran "will try to raise the weight and altitude of the satellites to be launched."

He also said Omid, which means Hope in Persian, was performing its mission successfully. State media had earlier said Omid would return to earth with data after orbiting for one to three months.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUKTRE51711B20090208

No doubt those 4 satellites will aid thier missle program too. If the nuke problem persists they can shoot down the satellites with missles fired from
B-2 or missle frigates.

It's no surpise the “soft revolution” was exposed. Getting a reliable network up to educate Iranians and turn them more in favor of democracy will be more difficult than it was in the old USSR. Iran watches its people more closely than Russia did. The Qu'ran works against us because turning on the govt is considered a sin as is refusing to inform on suspiceous activitites.

Over half of Iran wants democracy, they all want higher wages and better lives. I couldn't imagine living in Iran seeing magazines and tv's showing people living a better life outside the country. They wonder why they are being held back while the minority live like kings. So one plan “soft revolution” failed, others are still in place.

[Rtazmann]

I can't imagine them in space.