[FPSPACE] Confusion: Did Iran launch a satellite into space?

[Chris Jones]

John Locker wrote:
> I  I did mention this on the launch day , but was corrected as being 
> mistaken.
> 
> However here is the banner that was put across the IRINN broadcast following 
> the launch
> 
> "The satellite itself is desgined to function in a low earth orbit system"
> 
> In the background was a graphic of a satellite orbiting earth .The graphic 
> also showed the satellite's footprint.
> I also recall , in a different sequence seeing an object similar to an " 
> elongated " sputnik like device , although I dont think  thats on the 
> recorded bit :O(
> 
> I still have a 20 minute seqience on disc .
> 
> If there is a satellite up there , how come we ain't seen it......  ????
> It would be easy to spot , as it is going to be pretty fast moving!

I looked at a bunch of news stories yesterday when I first saw a claim of
a satellite.  I think Allen Thomson had it right: this is most likely a
translation garble.  As near as I can tell, the only "new news" yesterday
was that data had been transmitted back to earth from space.  Some stories
said "is being transmitted", some said "had been transmitted".  I expect
the latter is more correct.  Some stories said "from orbit", some said
"from space", some said "from orbital altitude".  Again, I think sloppy
translation is responsible implying that anything entered orbit from
this launch.

Iran has announced it intends to launch a satellite after two more test
launches, and I *think* the test launches will be suborbital, though this
isn't clear.