Qaem-100 carrier rocket<\/p>\n
Iran says it successfully launched three satellites <\/a>into space on Sunday, the first time it has done so using a controversial rocket programme that has been heavily criticised by the West<\/a>.<\/p>\n Sunday morning\u2019s launch involved Iran\u2019s domestically-produced Simorgh rocket<\/a>, and was described by Iran\u2019s Revolutionary Guard-led news agency Fars as an important test of Simorgh\u2019s ability to accurately deliver multiple payloads into space.<\/p>\n The largest of the three satellites weighs 32kg and was named Mahda, while the two others were nano-satellites of less than 10kg, according to Fars.<\/p>\n State TV named the other two satellites Kayhan-2 and Hatef-1, described as nanosatellites focused on global positioning and communications respectively.<\/p>\n This is the first time Iran has successfully utilised the Simorgh rocket, having failed with its previous five launches in row. The unsuccessful attempts to launch Simorgh, or “Phoenix,” had served as a serious setback for Iran\u2019s civilian space programme, and mishaps included explosions of the launchpad and massive fires during tests.<\/p>\n Earlier this month, Iran placed another satellite \u2013 Soraya \u2013 in an orbit some 750 kilometres (460 miles) above the Earth\u2019s surface with a three-stage rocket, advancing the Iran\u2019s Revolutionary Guards\u2019 space programme along with the country\u2019s civilian astronomy ambitions.<\/p>\n Britain, France and Germany jointly condemend Sunday\u2019s launch using the Ghaem-100 Space Launch Vehicle (SLV), pointing out that the SLV uses technology essential for the development of a long-range ballistic missile system. This could allow Tehran to launch longer-range weapons.<\/p>\n \u201cLaunches such as these allow Iran to test technology that could be used to further develop its ballistic missile programme, which poses a significant threat to regional and international security,\u201d the joint statement read.<\/p>\n It added: \u201cWe have longstanding concerns over Iran\u2019s activity related to ballistic missile technologies that are capable of delivering nuclear weapons. These concerns are reinforced by Iran\u2019s continued nuclear escalation beyond all credible civilian justification.\u201d<\/p>\n Iran said it reserved the legitimate right to peaceful technological advancement in the aerospace field.<\/p>\n The US has already said that Iran\u2019s satellite launches <\/a>defy a UN Security Council resolution, asking Tehran to not undertake activities that involve ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n