Iran pushes ahead on satellite plans
SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM
Tuesday, May 22, 2001
NICOSIA — Despite budgetary woes, Iran is said to have advanced in
plans to launch a $300 million telecommunications satellite.
Officials said the Zohreh satellite will be launched in 2003. The
satellite, which will be used to relay telephone calls, radio and
television, will be built by Russia.
So far, the project is about two years behind schedule. The satellite
had been scheduled for launch in November 2001.
Russia will launch the satellite in a competition that had included
France and China. Earlier, India dropped out of the competition.
Officials said Russia signed a deal with Iran to build the satellite
during a meeting in March. France and China will remain in the project to
build other satellites.
In all, six telecommunications satellites will be built. Officials said
the Zohreh project has been delayed because of budgetary problems.
The project was launched in 1978 under the rule of the Shah of Iran,
who was overthrown the following year.
Tuesday, May 22, 2001
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