The launch of Iran’s Fajr technology testing and remote sensing satellite flying on a Safir 2 (B1) rocket out of the Semnan launch site is believed to have ended in a major failure on or just later than 23 May 2012. A launch is suspected to have taken place by Western space analysts (note that it has not been formally confirmed) after reports of a launch being detected by US satellite assets and scorch marks being imaged post launch on the pad. There was no announcement of success if a launch did take place, and no independent tracking of a new orbiting object. This has led analysts to suspect a failure.
At the time, the launch was reported to have been delayed from May and June due to problems with the insulation on a microengine on the satellite. These reports may have been a disinformaton ruse to cover up a failure.
The main mission of Fajr (meaning: Dawn) was to prove the orbital manoeuvering using a cold gas propulsion system. As a secondary mission the satellite is equipped with an camera capable of producing images with a best resolution of 500 metres.
