Iran launches Simorgh satellite carrier rocket

Iran has used a satellite launch rocket to send three research devices into space, a defense ministry spokesman said on December 30, Report informs referring to Reuters.

He did not clarify whether the devices had reached the orbit.

Spokesman Ahmad Hosseini said the Simorgh satellite carrier rocket, whose name translates as "Phoenix", had launched the three research devices at an altitude of 470 kilometers (290 miles). He did not give further details.

"The intended research objectives of this launch were achieved," Hosseini said in comments broadcast on state television. "This was done as a preliminary launch ... God willing, we will have an operational launch soon."

Iranian state television showed footage of what it said was the firing of the launch vehicle.