Iran Rocket Story underestimates Amateur Radio achievements

A news story regarding Iran's recent research rocket launch underestimates the achievements of Ham Radio satellites.

The story, available from news outlets world-wide, inaccurately says that Ham Radio satellites orbit between 100-300 miles (160-500 kilometres).

In reality most Amateur Radio or Ham Radio satellites are typically launched into a 400-625 mile (650-1000 kilometre) orbit with many going into far higher orbits even up to 41000 miles (66000 kilometres) which is above geostationary satellites.

Currently Radio Amateurs are currently building the first private venture Interplanetary space craft P5A which will travel to Mars.

MSNBC - Iran unveils space center, launches rocket http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22995937/

Indian Express - Iran launches research rocket http://www.indianexpress.com/story/268967.html

Amateur Radio mission to Mars
http://www.southgatearc.org/news/september2007/
amsat_p5a_video.htm

Amateur Radio Mars Mission P5-A featured in the New York Times
http://www.southgatearc.org/news/june2006/
amsat_in_nytimes.htm

Amatear Radio Satellites
http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/satellites/all_oscars.php