Monkey doll aboard rocket
Photo: Screenshot
Iran launches rocket with monkey doll into space
IRNA reports Kavoshgar-4 rocket was launched 120 kilometers into the atmosphere
Iran has conducted another experiment in its race to reach space, launching a rocket that bears a capsule that can contain an animal into the atmosphere Tuesday, the official Iranian news agency IRNA reported. The Islamic republic plans to send a manned spaceship into space by 2022; in this experiment they made do with launching only a monkey doll.
The experiment tested out the Kavoshgar-4 rocket, which was launched 120 kilometers into the atmosphere. According to a photograph that was published by IRNA, a monkey doll was placed inside of the rocket's capsule instead of an animal for the purpose of the experiment.
The rocket
The report did not offer any additional details on the test.
Last year Iran launched worms, two turtles and a rat into space aboard the Kavoshgar-3. The Iranian scientists observed the animals using cameras that were installed in the capsule. It was not reported whether the animals were returned to earth.
About two years ago, the Islamic republic sent its first satellite, Omid, into space, using a Safir launcher. The event sent a wave of alarm across the international community, which feared that Iran's ability to launch satellites shows that it is also capable of launching long-range ballistic missiles.
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