Iran says it plans to send a monkey into space next month as the next step in a space program that Western leaders worry could also bring major advances in Iran’s missile arsenal. Hit the jump to read the rest of the story.
Iran says it plans to send a monkey into space next month as the next step in a space program that Western leaders worry could also bring major advances in Iran’s missile arsenal.
The state-run news agency IRNA quotes the head of Iran’s space agency as saying Monday that five monkeys are undergoing tests and one will be selected for the flight on a Kavoshgar-5 – or Explorer-5 – rocket.
Last year, Iran announced it had launched a rocket carrying a mouse, turtle and worms into space.
The U.S. and allies are concerned that the technology in the space program could also be used to develop long-range missiles with possible nuclear warheads. Iran denies it seeks nuclear arms and says it wants only energy-producing reactors.
