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Source: http://freebeacon.com/national-security/iran-conducts-space-launch/
Iran Conducts Space Launch
(Washington Free Beacon) Bill Gertz - Iran on Tuesday conducted the first launch of the Simorgh space launch vehicle, a new rocket that the Pentagon views as a key element of Tehran's effort to build long-range missiles. The Simorgh is believed to be based on North Korean missile technology. U.S. intelligence agencies believe North Korea supplied Iran with design data, stage separation technology, and booster equipment for the Simorgh and other rockets. During negotiations on the Iran nuclear deal, U.S. intelligence agencies detected two shipments of large-diameter rocket engines from North Korea to Iran. The Simorgh is assessed as having enough lift to carry a nuclear warhead. Adm. Bill Gortney, commander of the U.S. Northern Command, told a House hearing last week, "Iran's continuing pursuit of long-range missile capabilities and ballistic missile and space launch programs, in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions, remains a serious concern....In light of these advances, we assess Iran may be able to deploy an operational ICBM by 2020."