Iran plans to launch new satellite in August

"The Rasad 1 satellite will be launched into space by an Iranian carrier rocket during the government week," Reza Taghipour, who is also the administrator of the Iranian Space Agency, was quoted as saying.

The so-called government week, which marks the achievements of the Iranian Cabinet, is celebrated at the end of August.

Iran has made significant progress in developing its space industry since the launch of its first commercial satellite, Sina-1, into orbit on board a Russian carrier rocket.

Iran's first research satellite, Omid (Hope), designed for gathering information and testing equipment, was orbited in February 2009 and successfully completed its mission on April 25 the same year.

Since launching the Omid, Tehran has unveiled three new satellites (Tolou, Mesbah II and Navid) and one carrier rocket.

Western powers suspect Iran of using its space program to develop its ballistic missile capabilities; Kazinform cites RIA Novosti.

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