Iran's Animal Space Missions Pave the Way for Human Exploration

Iran has launched a capsule carrying animals into space as part of its efforts to advance its space program and prepare for human missions. The capsule, weighing 500kg, was successfully sent 130km into orbit. The specific animals inside were not disclosed. Iran has been working on sending animals into space since the mid-2000s and has previously sent monkeys into space. The current administration aims to revive Iran's goal of sending humans into space, which was reportedly halted during the previous administration. The US and its allies have criticized Iran's space launches, particularly those involving long-range ballistic missiles.