Iran says it will unveil a range of new rockets and satellites as part of national celebrations of the 32nd anniversary of its Islamic Revolution. The observances begin this week.
Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi said Sunday the presentation of Iran's latest space technology will include two rockets, the Safir 1-B (Messenger 1-B) and Kavoshgar 4 (Explorer 4), and two satellites, the Rasad (Observation) and Fajr (Dawn).
Vahidi said the Safir 1-B rocket is capable of carrying a satellite weighing 50 kilograms into an elliptical orbit of 300 to 450 kilometers.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad also inaugurated a new space research and training center Sunday.
Iran on Tuesday begins the 10-day long annual celebration of its revolution. It typically uses the occasion to showcase its scientific and technological achievements.
Western nations have expressed concern that Iran may divert its space technology to the development of nuclear weapons. Iran said its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.
