Iranian Satellite Launch 'a Failure'

According to a US official the Iranian satellite launch was a "dramatic failure". Reuters

Radar tracking by the USS Russell, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer patrolling the Persian Gulf confirmed the satellite launch was a failure. According to the data collected by the USS Russell, the dummy satellite lost control at high altitude never completing its ascent profile. Aviation Week

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Iran's attempt to launch a dummy satellite into orbit was a "dramatic failure" that fell far short of the country's assertions of success, a U.S. official said on Tuesday

"The attempted launch failed," the official said.

"The vehicle failed shortly after liftoff and in no way reached its intended position," the official said. "It could be characterized as a dramatic failure."

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Iranian television showed the rocket on its launch pad, but did not show the actual lift-off.

"The failed launch shows that the purported Iranian space program is in its nascent stages at best -- they have a long way to go," the U.S. official said.