Iran will send two satellites to orbit by March 2011, Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi said at the opening ceremony of the exhibition on scientific and technological achievements of Iran, Fars news agency reported. "Currently Iran produces a variety of satellites and will send two satellites "Fajr" and "Rassad" to space by the end of the year (ending in March)," said Vahidi.
He added that the new satellites are characterized by improved design compared with the previous modifications, in particular, they can be launched into a higher orbit, and consume less energy.
In July 2010, Iran announced its intention to launch a new artificial satellite in the last week of August.
In May, Iran's telecommunications ministry advisor Mohammad Hosseynpur said this year Iran plans to launch two telecommunications satellites.