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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Iran appears to have attempted a second satellite launch despite US criticism that its space program is helping it develop ballistic missiles, satellite images suggest Thursday. Iran has not admitted to launching such a launch.
Images released by Colorado-based DigitalGlobe show a rocket on Tuesday at the Imam Khomeini Space Center in Iran's Semnan Province. Wednesday's footage shows that the rocket was gone with what appeared to be burn marks on its launch pad.
The Iranian media did not immediately report the launch of the rocket, although such delays occurred during previous launches.
Iran has announced that it will launch its Doosti satellite, or "Friendship". A launch in January did not allow another satellite, Payam or "Message" to go into orbit.
The United States alleges that such launches go against a United Nations Security Council resolution calling on Iran not to undertake any ballistic missile activity capable of provide nuclear weapons.
Iran, which has long claimed not to be seeking nuclear weapons, maintains its satellite launches and rocket tests have no military component. Tehran also said that they did not violate a UN resolution that merely "invite" him not to perform such tests.
Over the past decade, Iran has sent several short-lived satellites into orbit and, in 2013, launched a monkey in space.
In February, on the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution of 1979, Iran displays space achievements. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the revolution as Iran faces increasing pressure from the United States under President Donald Trump.
Jon Gambrell, Associated Press
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