Iran launches second satellite this year into orbit, state media says

Iran launched its Chamran-1 research satellite into orbit on Saturday, its second successful satellite launch this year, state media reported.

The launch comes as the United States and European countries accuse Iran of transferring ballistic missiles to Russia that would be likely used in its war with Ukraine within weeks. Iran has denied this.

The satellite, designed and built by Iranian Electronics Industries (SAIran), was put into a 550-kilometre (340-mile) orbit, the media said.

In January, Iranian media reported that the Sorayya satellite was launched into a 750km orbit, the highest by the country so far.

The US military alleges the long-range ballistic technology used to put satellites into orbit could also allow Tehran to launch long-range weapons, possibly including nuclear warheads.

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