Iran has delayed the launch of a satellite that was initially scheduled for the end of August 2010.

In July 2010, telecommunications minister Reza Taghipour told AFP that Rasad 1 (Observation) satellite was to become Iran’s second home-built satellite sent into space and would be launched in the last week of August.

However, although some stages have been complete, the satellite is still being built, meaning the launch date has been revised. “The launch of Rasad 1 satellite will take place in the second half of this year,” Taghipour said.

The second half of the Iranian year begins on 23 September.

Iran launched its first home-built satellite, the Omid (Hope), in February 2009.