Iran’s Rouhani vows to continue space launches despite Western criticism

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani vows to try again after his country tried but failed to place a satellite in orbit yesterday.

The launch was panned by the US and European governments, who said Tehran’s continued development of missiles capable of reaching space amounted to ignoring UN resolutions exhorting Iran not to expand its offensive missile capabilities.

“We have achieved great success in building satellites and launching them. That means we are on the right track,” Rouhani says, according to quotes from state media translated by Reuters. “The remaining problems are minor, will be resolved in a few months, and we will soon be ready for a new launch,” he adds.

Iran plans three more rocket launches as part of its space program. Washington has noted that the technology is nearly identical to that found in ballistic missiles.