Iran test fires satellite-carrying rocket

STORY: Washington fears the same long-range ballistic technology used to put satellites into orbit could also be used to launch nuclear warheads. Tehran has regularly denied having any such intention.

State news agency IRNA reported that the operation successfully tested the first sub-orbital stage of the satellite carrier with a solid-fuelled engine. The report added that the Ghaem 100, Iran's first three-stage launch vehicle, will be able to place satellites weighing 176 lb (80 kg) in an orbit of 310 miles (500 km) from Earth's surface.