An Iranian military satellite, mounted on a domestically-built rocket, was sent into space by the air arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Wednesday. The device is said to be the first of its kind in the country.
Called Qassed, the two-stage rocket blasted off on Wednesday from an undisclosed location in “the central desert,” with the Noor 1 satellite on board. It remains to be seen whether the launch has been completely successful, although state media said the satellite reached an altitude of 425km.
It never ceases to amaze me the advances that the threatened can make… with speed!!! Wouldn't be dead for 'quids'!!! https://t.co/mIXWIxZJMz
— Kas McEntyre (@KasmacMc) April 22, 2020
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps oversaw the launch, which was timed to mark the elite group’s anniversary, according to Mehr news agency.
The IRGC’s Aerospace Forces have an array of long-range missiles and satellite launch vehicles developed by Iran’s rocket industry.
It seems to be the second space-bound launch since February of this year. At that time, Iran reported that it had successfully put a communications satellite – called Zafar 1 – into orbit.
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However, the Defense Ministry later revealed that the device’s speed had been too low to actually reach orbit.
Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) was set up 40 years ago to defend the country’s Islamic system, and to provide a counterweight to the regular armed forces.
It has since become a major military, political and economic force in Iran, with close ties to the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and many other senior figures.
The IRGC is estimated to have more than 190,000 active personnel, boasts its own ground forces, navy and air force, and oversees Iran’s strategic weapons.
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The IRGC exerts influence elsewhere in the Middle East by providing money, weapons, technology, training, and advice to allied governments and armed groups through its shadowy overseas operations arm, the Quds (Jerusalem) Force.
This satellite launch by the Iranian Quds Force is a great step towards achieving superiority over the regional rivals.
RT with additional input by GVS News Desk