News

Iran has launched its first domestically-manufactured satellite into orbit, reports say.

An Iranian news network, IRINN, showed footage of what it said was a communications satellite named Safir-e Omid (Hope Envoy) being launched.

The pictures were accompanied by patriotic songs and music.

Iran has pursued its own space programme for years. In February it sent a probe into space as part of preparations for this launch.

Long-held ambition

Footage aired on IRINN (Islamic Republic of Iran News Network) showed the launch of the rocket in darkness.

The presenter said that the satellite launch was a trial which was successful. State and military officials confirmed that the launch had taken place.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was at the launch, said one report.

Iran has long pursued its own space programme.

In October 2005 a Russian-made Iranian satellite named Sina-1 was put into orbit by a Russian rocket.