Iran: We Launched 2nd Monkey Into Space

But claims are impossible to independently verify
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Dec 14, 2013 5:35 AM CST
Iran: We Launched 2nd Monkey Into Space
In this Sept. 23, 2010 file photo, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad addresses the 65th session of the United Nations General Assembly.   (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)

Iran said today it has successfully sent a monkey into space for a second time, part of an ambitious program aimed at manned space flight. Iran's state TV said that the launch of the rocket dubbed Pajohesh, or Research in Farsi, was Iran's first use of liquid fuel and reached a height of 72 miles. It said the monkey, named Fargam or Auspicious, was returned to earth safely.

The TV showed the rocket blasting off and then showed the monkey, strapped snugly into a seat, staring at people clapping to celebrate its safe return. The report said Fargam's capsule parachuted safely to earth after detaching from the rocket in a mission that lasted 15 minutes. Iran frequently claims technological breakthroughs that are impossible to independently verify, and some doubted its first claim of sending a monkey into space. (More Iran stories.)

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