Satellite photos show burning Iran space center launch pad

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Satellite images appear to show the smoldering remains of a rocket at an Iranian space center that was to conduct a U.S.-criticized satellite launch.

The satellite pictures were taken Thursday morning of the Imam Khomeini Space Center in Iran's Semnan province.

The photos show black smoke and part of a painted launch pad apparently scorched away.

This Aug. 9, 2019, satellite image shows activity at the Imam Khomeini Space Center in Iran's Semnan province.

Images show Iran satellite launch looms despite US criticism

Iran appears to be preparing another satellite launch after twice failing this year to put one in orbit, despite U.S. accusations that the Islamic Republic’s program helps it develop ballistic missiles.

By Jon Gambrell, The Associated Press

David Schmerler, a senior research associate at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, told The Associated Press: "Whatever happened there, it blew up and you're looking at the smoldering remains of what used to be there."

NPR first reported on the satellite images.

Iran satellite fails to reach orbit after launch that worried US

The U.S. is concerned Iran may develop the ability to launch a nuclear weapon at the U.S. mainland.

By Jon Gambrell, The Associated Press

Iran was to launch the Nahid-1 satellite in the coming days. There had been activity at the space center in recent days.

There was no immediate reaction from Iran.

A failed Iranian rocket launch is seen Aug. 29, 2019, at the Imam Khomeini Space Center in northern Iran. (Satellite image ©2019 Maxar Technologies)

A failed Iranian rocket launch at the Imam Khomeini Space Center in northern Iran — A failed Iranian rocket launch is seen Aug. 29, 2019, at the Imam Khomeini Space Center in northern Iran. (Satellite image ©2019 Maxar Technologies)

More In Flashpoints

Ukraine to get Harpoon anti-ship missiles from Denmark amid Russian Black Sea blockade

Denmark will arm Ukraine with with modern Harpoon anti-ship missiles to protect its coasts, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Monday after concluding the latest U.S.-led meeting of international defense chiefs to coordinate military aid for Ukraine.

Biden: US would intervene with military to defend Taiwan

Biden, at a news conference in Tokyo, said “yes” when asked if he was willing to get involved militarily to defend Taiwan if China invaded.

Ukraine

Belarusians join war seeking to free Ukraine and themselves

Belarusians are among those who have answered a call for foreign fighters to join the International Legion for the Territorial Defense of Ukraine.

US, South Korea open to expanded military drills to deter North

U.S. President Joe Biden said cooperation between the U.S. and South Korea shows “our readiness to take on all threats together.”

More nations expected to sign up for Pentagon’s Ukraine aid group

A group of international defense chiefs convened by U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to coordinate military aid for Ukraine is likely to be larger when it meets for the second time on Monday.

In Other News

New allowance greenlit for troops ordered to move from barracks to off-base housing

Partial dislocation allowance will defray some of the costs of moving off post when troops have to leave barracks.

Air Cav is back in vogue — new units, class waitlists and more

Charlie still don't surf, though.

US Army terminates Strategic Long-Range Cannon science and technology effort

The Army has zeroed out funding for the Strategic Long-Range Cannon science and technology effort to focus on other long-range precision fires priorities.

Marine Corps’ California desert base put on lockdown

All personnel were required to shelter in place while the base police force investigated.

Lawmakers move to guarantee cost-of-living boost for veterans benefits

Legislation would promise veterans get the same increase as Social Security recipients later this year.