Rasad-1

Iran has launched its second satellite into space. Rasad-1 is an Earth-observation satellite launched atop a Safir rocket.

Israel and other Western nations are concerned Iran is using a space program as a cover for developing rockets capable of reaching their cities. Couple that capability with Iran's continued nuclear program, and the concern increases. Iran, however, insists its nuclear program is focused on peaceful purposes, and that its goals in space are to put a man in space by 2020 and to land a man on the Moon by 2025.