Iran plans to launch another communications satellite into orbit without outside help by late 2011, state-run news agencies quoted Iranian Communications Minister Rza Tagipur as saying on Friday.
"The satellite is under production and I hope Iran can launch Misbah into orbit by late 2011," Iranian news agencies quoted Tagipur as saying.
His remarks came after Russia and Italy refused to launch the satellite for Iran. Teheran had announced earlier in the month that an Italian company that helped to built the satellite would launch it into orbit, following Russia's refusal to do so. However, the Italian company denied the report.
Earlier, Iran had launched its first domestically-made satellite Omid into orbit using an Iranian rocket in February. Prior to that, Russia had launched Iran's first satellite into space in 2005.
The developments is amidst international efforts at persuading Iran to roll back its controversial nuclear program. The West is also concerned about Iran evolving space program, as rockets used to launch satellites could also be utilized to deliver nuclear warheads.
Iran has an active nuclear program, which it insists is for peaceful civilian power purposes only, but the West suspects it as a cover up for the Islamic country's nuclear weapon ambitions.
Iran has already survived three sets of sanctions by the UN Security Council following its failure to halt nuclear development work. The sanctions cover trade in nuclear material, and includes financial and travel restrictions.
Also, Iran is yet to respond formally to a deal proposed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that is expected to ease some of the concerns of the international community over Teheran's nuclear program. Iran has rejected some parts of the proposed deal and has laid down certain conditions for accepting the plan.
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