Iran focuses on space program

NICOSIA [MENL] -- Iran intends to advance its satellite research program and launch a multi-role facility in space.

Officials said the focus will be on the Zohreh and Mesbah satellite. The Zohreh is a research satellite and the Mesbah is a small multi-role system.

''These satellites are not intended for military use, but will be put to work for the purpose of augmenting public's living standards and for use by universities and industrial centers,'' Iranian deputy Communications Minister M. Safavi told a space conference in Vienna.

Safavi was quoted by the official Islamic Republic News Agency as saying Iran needs long-term planning in space training and peaceful use of the space. "Using space-based technology for the purpose of implementing social and economic plans is important for the individual countries," he said. "Additionally, this is the right time for using this technology for international cooperation.''

The deputy minister did not detail the programs or say how the satellites would be launched. Teheran, with massive Russian help, is developing the Shihab-5 missile with a range of 10,000 kilometers [6,200 miles], say Israeli and U.S. intelligence analysts.

They said Iran might test the missile within the next two months.