Satellite called OMID ("hope" in Farsi) is described by Teheran as a "data processing satellite". associated press quote: "Iranian television said the satellite would orbit at an altitude of between about 155 and 250 miles. It was taken into orbit by a Safir-2, or ambassador-2, rocket, which was first tested in August and has a range of 155 miles.

The radio report said the satellite is designed to circle the earth 15 times during a 24-hour period and send reports to the space center in Iran. It has two frequency bands and eight antennas for transmitting data."

AP also quote: "Ahmadinejad said Tuesday that the satellite, which he said had telecommunications capabilities, had reached its orbit and had made contact with ground stations, though not all of its functions were active yet. The launch was intended to be a message of peace and friendship to the world..."

which makes me wonder if there's a beacon on it. There's another report talking about an interest in store-and-forward capability but not clear if this has it or not.

Would have thought the satellite will decay earlier rather than later?

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h4ynWXGgXIWuMo6jcZGbdrhyuZ...

73 de andy g0sfj