Subscribe to Print Edition | Fri., August 22, 2008 Av 21, 5768 | | Israel Time: 02:51 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Car Rental Books Haaretz Magazine Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File

U.S. intelligence sources: Iranian attempt to launch satellite on twin-stage missile fails By Yossi Melman Iran failed in an attempt to launch a satellite into space late Saturday night, according to American intelligence sources. The sources said Iran tried to cover up the failure and claimed that the launch was a test for a two-stage missile; earlier this week, Iran's state media reported that a rocket for carrying a research satellite had been successfully test-launched. Advertisement But the intelligence sources say the purpose of the launch was to send a satellite into orbit. The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Russell, cruising in the Persian Gulf, monitored the launch and recorded its failure. According to the available data, the plan was to launch the missile to an altitude of 650 kilometers, but the rocket broke apart at 150 kilometers. Parts of the missile landed in Iran and the Gulf of Oman. The two-stage missile is similar to the Shihab-3, whose range allows it to target Israel. The Iranians added a nose to the missile, transforming it into a two-stage rocket with a range of 1,900 kilometers. U.S. sources say the missile, named the Safir, was capable of carrying a small payload of around 50 to 100 kilograms. Israeli sources said after the launch that Iran's success in developing and launching a two-stage missile reflects a certain level of technological advancement. The differing attitudes in characterizing the incident reflect the different intelligence assessments in Israel and the United States on the Iranian threat. Israel is stressing Iran's progress in missile and nuclear technology in order to highlight the threat posed on Israel, while the United States is playing down Tehran's technological prowess and suggests that Iran is far from achieving nuclear capability and producing missiles that can carry such a payload. Bookmark to del.icio.us   Tears of joy Shahar Zubari's bronze medal was Israel's first of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. 'Germ of corruption' Mahmoud Ahmadinejad repeats his prediction that Israel will be wiped off the map.

Read & React Ahmadinejad: Israel is a germ of corruption that will be removed Responses: 139 Israel warns nationals of Hezbollah kidnap threat abroad Responses: 37 Sheetrit: Israel must not attack Iran, except in line of defense Responses: 26 Meron Benvenisti: Israel's greatest fear is a one-state solution Responses: 72 More Headlines 00:40 U.S. to Syria: Do not meddle in Russia-Georgia conflict 19:04 Livni: Time is running out for peace talks with Palestinians 16:28 State orders West Bank fence rerouted in favor of Palestinians 02:26 ANALYSIS / Fence relocation is acknowledgment that route is politically motivated 02:46 Prosecution to seek immunity for Talansky in U.S. 02:45 Barak: I'm not worried about being removed before elections 01:47 Study: Babies in womb during Six-Day War more likely to have schizophrenia 00:10 IN PICTURES / Olympians display their body art 00:26 Israeli tennis star Shahar Peer leads master class for N.Y. children 21:32 Life of top television presenter threatened, possibly by 'psychic' interviewee 22:28 Jordan urges world to press Israel to halt E. Jerusalem excavations 02:09 Israeli terror victims sue Chinese bank for funding Hamas, Islamic Jihad 19:47 Israel removes West Bank roadblock outside Ramallah 01:08 Happy birthday, Mr. President! Peres marks his 85th with trip to Negev Previous Editions Select Day 21 aug 20 aug 19 aug 18 aug 17 aug 15 aug 14 aug 13 aug 12 aug 11 aug 10 aug 08 aug

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