Iran enters space race with own satellite and rocket  Western
nations worry that a Safir rocket could deliver nuclear weapons.
By , Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor  Iran
launched its first home-built satellite into space, marking a
scientific milestone for the Islamic Republic and heightening
concerns in the West that its expanding rocket technologies
could be put to military use.  The Omid (Hope) satellite was
launched by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Monday night as Iran
celebrates the 30th anniversary of Iran's Islamic Revolution.
State television showed Mr. Ahmadinejad, flanked by generals and
officials, signaling the launch over a white telephone. They
repeated "God is great" four times, then Ahmadinejad started the
countdown by saying: "Congratulations to the nation of Iran and
all the freedom-seeking nations of the world."  Recommended:
Could you pass a US citizenship test?  The telecommunications
satellite is to orbit 155 to 250 miles above the earth, which it
is to circle 15 times a d