Iran launches monkey into space

Iran has successfully launched a live monkey into space, demonstrating its advance in a missile and space programmes.

Reuters are reporting that the move has alarmed the West and Israel.

There was no independent confirmation of the report and there have been no announcements by Western powers of any Iranian launch, but the Fars news agency said the monkey was launched into space on a Kavoshgar rocket. The rocket reached 120 kilometres and "returned its shipment intact".

Israel and the West fear the long-range ballistic technology could be used to launch atomic warheads. Tehran denies such suggestions.

According to the Voice of Russia, Iran has previously sent up “mice, turtles and worms” and Deputy Science Minister Mohammad Mehdinejad-Nouri says that putting animals in to space is “strategic, and a priority.”

Image: Rex