The latest SpaceVidCast.
In this episode of Spacevidcast Live we look at where the profit is in privatized space beyond sub-orbital flights. Also:
For the first time Iran has managed to launch an indigenous satellite (Omid) with an indigenous carrier rocket (Safir 2) on its own soil.
The Omid satellite is supposed to be a mere communication satellite with a weight of 27kg.
The launching vehicle Safir 2 uses the military Shahab 3 missile (North Korean Nodong) as first stage, the second stage is propelled by two smaller, gimballed engines, probably derived from the SA-2’s motor.
Even if the satellite is small and non-military this launch is a major technological achievement for Iran. Not even North Korea has managed to launch its own satellite so far.