Posted: Tue, Feb 1, 2005, 8:24 AM ET (1324 GMT)
Russia will build and launch a communications satellite for Iran, the two countries announced. The Zohreh (Venus) satellite will be built by Russia's NPO PM firm using a bus based on the Express series of Russian communications satellites and carrying 12 transponders. The satellite will be launched on a Soyuz booster in about two and a half years. The cost of the satellite is estimated to be $132 million and also features an option for a second satellite at a cost 25% below that of the first. Iran is currently developing its own small satellite, Mesbah, that it hopes to launch later this year on its own small launch vehicle, although Iranian officials have released few details about its launch plans.

Related Links:

•  IRNA article
•  Reuters article
•  RIA Novosti article