New Launch: 2009 February 2, 1836 UTC
Site: Semnan Satellite Launch Site, Iran
Launcher: Safir 2
International Designators(s): 2009-004A

SSC Name Owner
33506 OMID IRAN


"Iran launched its first satellite into orbit Monday using a modified homemade long-range missile, thrusting the Islamic republic into an elite club of space-faring nations, state media reported.

"The small Omid communications satellite was launched Monday evening aboard a Safir 2 rocket, the official Islamic Republic News Agency reported.

"Launch was likely around 1830 GMT [our analysis shows it closer to 1836 UTC], or around 10 p.m. Iran time, according to Jonathan McDowell, an astrophysicist who provides satellite data on the Internet.

"Iran did not release the launch time in state news reports.

"The 72-foot-tall Safir 2 rocket probably blasted off from a launch site in Iran's Semnan province in the north-central part of the country [Google Earth file].

"The launcher flew southeast over the Indian Ocean to avoid flying over neighboring countries, according to Charles Vick, senior fellow at GlobalSecurity.org, a Washington-based military think tank.

"Two objects from the launch, likely the Omid satellite and part of its booster, are circling Earth in oval-shaped [sic] orbits.

"The orbits range in altitude from low points of 153 miles [246 km] to high points of 235 miles [378 km] and 273 miles [439 km]. The orbital inclination is 55.5 degrees, according to U.S. military tracking data.

"Iran joins a small group of countries with the ability to build and launch their own satellites into orbit."