145;Iran nearing satellite launch146;

Iran has converted a 30-ton ballistic missile into a satellite launch vehicle that will be used to send a satellite into space soon, a move that could have wider security implications, Aviation Week 038; Space Technology magazine reported on its Web site on Thursday.

Alaeddin Boroujerdi, the chairman of the Iranian parliament8217;s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, spoke about the upcoming launch to religious students and clerics in Qom, the industry trade publication said.

The launcher is a version of the Shahab 3 missile that has a range of 800 to 1,000 miles, the magazine said, citing unidentified US agencies. A missile of its kind could reach Saudi Arabia and as far west as Turkey. Additionally, improvements in space launches could help Iran build an intercontinental ballistic missile with a range of almost 2,500 miles.