Iran launches 'Pars 1' satellite into orbit from Russia

Iran successfully deployed the "Pars-I" remote sensing and imaging satellite into orbit with the assistance of the Russian Soyuz-2.1b launcher. The live broadcast of the launch was featured on Iranian state television. According to the official IRNA news agency, the satellite was launched from Russia's Vostochny launch base, situated around 8,000 kilometers (5,000 miles) east of Moscow. Issa Zareppur, Iran's telecommunications minister, underscored that "Pars-I" was entirely developed within Iran's borders.