The New Nation - Internet Edition

AP, Tehran

Iran launched a research rocket Monday and unveiled its first major space center, which will be used to launch research satellites, state-run television reported.

The report said the rocket was the first launched by Iran "into space." But analysts have expressed doubts about similar technological achievements announced by the country in the past. Iran launched its first domestically built rocket last February, which did not reach orbit level. "The first Iranian rocket Explorer-1 was fired into space," reported state TV, which showed live images of the event at the space center, with President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad issuing the launch order. "With the launch, Iran has joined the world's top 11 countries possessing space technology to build satellites, and launch rockets into space."