Iran launched its first military satellite into orbit using a new space launch vehicle on April 22. The launch of the Noor-1 satellite was conducted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp's (IRGC) space program using a new three-stage Qased launch vehicle. The Qased's second stage is a solid-fueled missile that the IRGC unveiled in February. IRGC Aerospace Force Brig. Gen. Amir Hajizadeh said April 24 that the launch was a success and that Iran is receiving signals from the satellite. He said the IRGC intends to launch a second satellite into a higher orbit in the "not-too-distant" future. Iran has launched satellites into orbit in the past, including a failed attempt Feb. 9, for communications and remote sensing purposes, but this is the first in the military program.
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