TEHRAN, Jan. 27 (ISNA)- Iranian Space Agency (ISA) predicted the first domestically-made satellite of Iran called "Omid" in Persian, meaning hope, will be sent to the orbit by March 19.

ISA president Reza Taqipour said on Tuesday if no problem hinders the process, the all Iranian made satellite will join the orbit by the end of Iranian year.

Technical experts are trying to finalize the project according to the schedule, he said but refused to announce the exact day of saying it will be declared near the actual launch.

The previous launch was for the satellite-carrier rocket which was successful and the move actually proved Iran is able to place the satellite in orbit, he said.

... Payvand News - 01/28/09 ... --