03 February 2009
On 2 February 2009, Iran launched its first home-made artificial satellite, known as Omid “Hope”. The launch occurred aboard the Iranian Safir 2 rocket, and it coincided with the 30th anniversary of the Iranian Revolution. Iranian state Media described the successful launch as “another achievement for Iranian scientists under sanctions”. The telecommunications and research satellite was placed into a low Earth orbit.
On 17 August 2008, Iranian officials declared that a successful test of the Safir “Ambassador” launch vehicle was performed, and footage was broadcast of the night launch. Omid is Iran's second satellite in orbit. The first Iranian satellite, Sinah-1, was launched by Russia, from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, in October 2005. Sinah-1 is a telecommunications and research satellite, weighing 160 kg. It orbits Earth in a near-polar orbit.
References
Reuters
BBC News Online
Wikipedia
The Associated Press
Aymen Mohamed Ibrahem
Senior Astronomy Specialist