Iran says it launched solid-fuel satellite rocket into space

Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard last week launched a solid-fuel satellite carrier rocket into space, the country’s official IRNA news agency reports.

The report quotes Gen. Amirali Hajizadeh, chief of the Guard’s aerospace unit, as saying the test was successful. He says it marked the first time Iran used a solid-fuel rocket rather than a liquid-fuel one. He says Iran will produce lighter rocket engines in further space projects.

According to the general, the satellite carrier was made of a composite material instead of metal — something he claims was “cost-efficient.” Hajizadeh says Iran strongly pursues its goals in the aerospace and satellite industry.

Satellite carriers usually use liquid fuel but solid-fuel rockets can be adapted for mobile launchers that can be driven anywhere on a major road or rail system. Pure solid-fuel rockets are mostly associated with ballistic missile systems.