Iranian Defense Ministry spokesman Ahmad Hosseini said Iran successfully sent three research devices into space in a rocket launch on Thursday.
According to a report in Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, Hosseini claimed the research objectives were achieved.
He said that the rocket carried three research devices 470 km. (292 miles) from the earth and that an operational launch would follow.
State TV showed the firing of the launch from the Imam Khomeini Space Center in northern Iran, reported Reuters. State media quoted Information and Communications Technology Minister Isa Zarepour saying: “I hope lessons learned from this research launch will pave the way for operational access to satellite system launch technology.”
The launch comes as Washington and Tehran hold indirect talks in Vienna to revive the 2015 nuclear deal.
“The United States remains concerned with Iran’s development of space launch vehicles, which pose a significant proliferation concern,” a U.S. State Department spokesperson said, according to the report.
