Iran Launches New Satellite Into Space, Claims Peaceful Intentions

Iranian built rocket designed to carry a satellite into orbit sits on a launch pad in 2009. Image by Getty Images

By JTA February 2, 2015

Iran launched a new satellite into space, the country’s official television station said.

A report Monday by the Fars news agency said the domestically produced satellite is the fourth in recent years to orbit the earth, according to The Associated Press.

Some international observers worry that Iran’s space program could help it design rockets for use with nuclear weapons, but the Islamic Republic claims that both its nuclear and space programs are for peaceful purposes.

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