Iran's Defense Minister, Mostafa Mohammad-Najjar says the country's first home-made satellite will be launched in the coming spring.

Launching the Omid (Hope) Satellite is part of Tehran's three-phase space program, the minister said Monday, at the inauguration of Iran's first ground station and the satellite launch pad.

Najjar also noted that in the second phase of the program -through 2010 to 2013- Iran will manufacture two 'communications and research' satellites, a 'Remote Telemetry Station'.

Iran also plans to build a satellite in collaboration with Islamic countries, which will be called 'Besharat', Najjar added.

MD/HGH/RA