The Russian newspaper "Kommersant" reports that Russia has agreed to launch Iran's two spy satellites later this year. Iran was intending to launch these spy satellites with their own technology but Russia convinced Iran that the launch could incite a U.S. military response.
U.S. intelligence analysts are concerned that Iranian preparations to launch a satellite in early 2005 could be a cover to advance its missile technologies.
Iran has announced plans to launch a small satellite using a rocket that could also be used to deliver nuclear weapons. Taylor Dinerman argues that this development could push the US to develop space-based missile defense systems.
An Israeli Air Force official estimates that Iran could launch a spy satellite within a year.
Iran announced that it intends to launch the Muslim world's first satellite within 18 months using "locally produced" technology.
The United States is investigating a rogue signal detected from Cuba which is thought to be blocking its satellite broadcasts into Iran.