Sent capsule with animals into orbit in preparations for human missions, says Iran

Iran on Wednesday said that it has sent a capsule into orbit carrying animals as part of its preparations for human missions in coming years. “The capsule was launched 130 kilometers (80 miles) into orbit,” a report by Iran’s official IRNA news agency quoted Telecommunications Minister Isa Zarepour as saying. According to Zarepour, the 500 kg (1,000 pound) capsule is being launched with the intention of launching Iranian astronauts into space in the near future. What kind of animals were within the capsule was not specified by him. State TV showed footage of a rocket named Salman carrying the capsule into space, reported Time. Iran periodically reports satellite and other spacecraft launches that were successful. In September, Iran claimed to have launched a data-gathering satellite into orbit. In 2013, Iran said it sent a monkey into space and returned it successfully. Iran says its satellite program is for scientific research and other civilian applications. However, the US and other Western countries have long been suspicious of the program as the same technology can be used to develop long-range missiles. With inputs from agencies