A Simorgh rocket failed to put the Zafar 1 communications satellite into orbit due to low speed.
Iran
Two versions of the satellite have been produced in case the first launch fails.
After the Zafar satellite is placed in orbit, a timeline has been finalised to launch five more, the minister said.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has opposed Iran's plans to send satellites into space stating that it defies a U.N. Security Council resolution.
Iran has also announced its intention to send its first cosmonaut into space in 2019.
Final tests reportedly being done on several home-built birds
